Introduction
When it comes to Big Data management, there are a plethora of options available in the market. But SQL Server and Oracle are among the most popular relational database management systems, and often compared against each other. In this blog post, we will compare SQL Server and Oracle on key parameters without any bias and help you make an informed decision.
Market Share Comparison
Let's begin with some numbers. According to recent market share reports by International Data Corporation (IDC), Oracle leads the market with a 30.1% market share, whereas Microsoft's SQL Server has a 20.4% market share. However, it is important to note that SQL Server is rapidly growing and has surpassed Oracle in terms of the growth rate.
Features Comparison
Both SQL Server and Oracle are robust database management systems that offer an array of features. However, there are some differences that set them apart.
Availability and Scalability
When it comes to availability and scalability, both SQL Server and Oracle offer high availability options such as clustering and replication to ensure that your data is always accessible. However, Oracle takes the lead here with its Real Application Clusters (RAC) option, which provides scalable and fault-tolerant database solutions.
Security
SQL Server and Oracle both offer security features to keep your data safe from unauthorized access. SQL Server provides Transparent Data Encryption, whereas Oracle provides Oracle Advanced Security to encrypt sensitive data.
Analytics and Reporting
When it comes to analytics and reporting, SQL Server offers services such as Reporting Services and Analysis Services, whereas Oracle offers Oracle Business Intelligence (OBI) and Oracle Reporting Services. Both offer powerful features for generating actionable insights from your data.
Programming Languages
SQL Server and Oracle both support Transact-SQL (T-SQL) and PL/SQL, respectively. However, SQL Server also supports .NET and PowerShell, which enables programmers to develop custom applications.
Price Comparison
Pricing is another important aspect to consider when it comes to choosing between SQL Server and Oracle. SQL Server is comparatively cheaper than Oracle, especially in small and medium-sized organizations, whereas Oracle can be more cost-effective for larger organizations that require enterprise-level solutions.
Conclusion
After comparing key features, we can say that both SQL Server and Oracle are excellent database management systems with their unique advantages. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the individual requirements of an organization.
References
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"SQL Server vs Oracle: Differences and similarities" by Bruce Szabo on its - Schibsted Tech Polska blog - https://it-stp-blog.readthedocs.io/en/latest/db_solutions/sql_server_vs_oracle.html
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"Oracle vs SQL Server: Which Database to Choose for a Startup Company?" by Steve Brown on Medium - https://medium.com/@rbstevenbrown/oracle-vs-sql-server-which-database-to-choose-for-a-startup-company-e8a52498e42d
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"IDC: Worldwide Relational Database Management Systems Software Market Shares, 2019: Year of the Deployed Commercial Release" by Carl Olofson, IDC - https://www.idc.com/tracker/showproductinfo.jsp?containerId=IDC_P20615