A database server is the key to solving the problems of information management. In general, a server must reliably manage a large amount of data in a multi-user environment so that many users can concurrently access the same data. All this must be accomplished while delivering high performance. A database server must also prevent unauthorized access and provide efficient solutions for failure recovery.
What is SQL Server?
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. As a database server, it is a software product with the primary function of storing and retrieving data as requested by other software applications—which may run either on the same computer or on another computer across a network.
Like other RDBMS technologies, SQL Server is primarily built around a row-based table structure that connects related data elements in different tables to one another, avoiding the need to redundantly store data in multiple places within a database. The relational model also provides referential integrity and other integrity constraints to maintain data accuracy.
Features of SQL Server
- SQL Server is owned by Microsoft whose fundamental aim is to provide a platform to create, manage and manipulate databases.
- Support tools SQL Server Profiler, BI tools, SQL Server Management Studio, and Database Tuning Advisor.
- SQL is supported by Windows and Linux.
- In SQL server the database is kept private on the server, the users are provided with a login to grant access to the database.
- SQL is simpler and easy to use.
- Plenty of online support and documentation, plus live product support.
- SQL Server is ideal for database beginners and small or medium scale data management companies.
- SQL server doesn’t allow rollback in the transaction process.
- In SQL Server values are changed even before commit.
- Provides advanced customization option for datatype mappings and delete and rename objects
What is Oracle Server?
The Oracle Server is a relational database management system that provides an open, complete, and integrated approach to information management. An Oracle Server consists of an Oracle database and an Oracle Instance. The system is built around a relational database framework in which data objects may be directly accessed by users (or an application front end) through structured query language (SQL).
Oracle is a fully scalable relational database architecture and is often used by global enterprises which manage and process data across wide and local area networks. The Oracle database has its own network component to allow communications across networks. Oracle DB runs on most major platforms, including Windows, UNIX, Linux and macOS. The Oracle database is supported on multiple operating systems, including IBM AIX, HP-UX, Linux, Microsoft Windows Server, Solaris, SunOS and macOS.
Features of Oracle
- Oracle is owned by Oracle Corporation and is used by many companies because of its unique capabilities such as powerful software, support for parallel and distributed databases, better indexing, and many more.
- It is supported by many server operating systems such as z/OS, Linux, UNIX, OS X, and Windows.
- It also supports a recovery manager tool that performs regular Database backups and assists in Database recoveries.
- Oracle is suitable for those managing larger amounts of data.
- In Oracle, the database is shared among all the schemas and users, though users can be limited to access certain schema or table via roles and permission.
- Oracle is written in Assembly Language, C, and C++.
- It supports both SQL and PL/SQL Language.
- It is highly scalable, portable, distributed, and programmable.
- It is cross-platform because it runs on more than 60 platforms from mainframes to Apple Macs.
- It was the first RDBMS that was built solely for business purposes.
- It can handle a large amount of data quickly and supports XML (Extensible Markup Language).
Oracle vs SQL Server
Basis of Comparison | SQL Server | Oracle Server |
Parent Company | Microsoft | Oracle Corporation |
Downloads | 120-180 days free trial version | Open-source version |
Syntax | Comparatively easier syntax | Complex but more efficient syntax |
Platform dependency | Only workable on Windows OS | Can run on multiple OS |
Language used | Can use T-SQL or transact SQL | PL/SQL can be used |
Bitmap indexes | No Bitmap index based on reverse keys and functions | Makes use of bitmaps and indexes. |
Job Schedulers | Makes use of SQL Server Agent | Makes use of OEM or Oracle Scheduler |
Query optimization | No optimization for queries | Star query optimization is by default |
Triggers | After triggers are available | After and before triggers are available |
Change of value | The values change even before committing | Values are changed only after an explicit commit statement |
Rollback | This is not allowed | This is allowed |
Mode of execution | INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE statements are executed serially | INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE and MERGE statements are executed in parallel |
Backups | Full, partial and incremental backups can be taken | Differential, full, file-level and incremental backups are allowed |
Redo streams | They are unique to each user and Database | One redo stream at the Database level |