Which database to qualify on?

[mancroft]

I am thinking about studying to qualify on a database to improve my employment chances.

I can do very advanced PHP/MySQL and am looking at qualifying on either Microsoft or Oracle as a database administrator / developer.

Which would you recommend... Microsoft or Oracle?

 

[mrdenny]

Since you are already familiar with MySQL I would recommend sticking with the T/SQL language that you already know. Oracle has a totally different PL/SQL programming language.

There are also major cost differences in getting trained on MS SQL or Oracle. MS SQL training should run you about 5k-8k depending on the place you pick. Last I checked Oracle training is going to run you $15k (I could be way of base here).

Another factor you should consider is which platform you enjoy working with more. If you like Oracle, and hate MS SQL Server then don't get certified in MS SQL. If you like MS SQL and hate Oracle then don't get trained in Oracle.

Being a MS SQL DBA my self, I would recommend getting trained on MS SQL, but that it because I despise Oracle, and I don't think to kindly of MySQL either. But that is just my opinion.


Denny

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

 

[r937]

mysql does not use t/sql or transact-sql

mysql's version of sql is not related to microsoft's language at all

i mean, other than that they both sort of support standard sql, to a degree, more or less, some less than more

mancroft, if you are looking to advance your employment marketability, a good oracle dba is very expensive and very much in demand, whereas a good microsoft sql server dba is a dime a dozen

just my opinion, of course

rudy

http://r937.com/

SQL Consulting

 

[skiflyer]

With no more information I'd say Oracle.

But once reality creeps into the equation, I'd look at your top employer prospects and figure out what they run... if you're a consultant, then see what the firms who hire out in your area are hiring... etc etc... but all things being equal I'd go with Oracle.

 

[SQLSister]

I'd say it depends on your career goals and the employment prospects in the geographic area you live in or desire to relocate to. I've noticed that around here SQL Server and Oracle are both used for internal Enterprise systems, but usually web sites are run with SQL Server or mySQL. You might look at the ads in your area and see what kind of work the databasestend to support and decide where you want to go. I do know that Oracle has a reputation for being harder to administer than SQL Server and PL/SQL syntax looks more complex to me (but that may be due to my familiarity with T-SQL, to be fair). Of course the more difficult to administer tends to pay better. At least around here an Oracle dba may earn 10-20K more than a SQL Server dba. There seems to be more specilization around here with Oracle as well. People tend to be either a dba or a developer. SQL Server positions tend to expect you to do both.

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