Microsoft SQL Server vs. Oracle

5 min readJun 10, 2022

Introduction

The database management system is a broad notion. The Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is a database-type used to store data in an organized way. There are multiple rows and columns in this, and it also allows for the visual display of data. RDBMS is used by many firms nowadays for their main activities. Oracle and SQL Server are the top-level database management systems among these databases.

Both Oracle and SQL Server are viable options in terms of database management. As a result, deciding between Oracle and SQL Server is never easy. As a result, you must thoroughly examine both products’ capabilities. This article will give you a brief understanding of MS SQL and Oracle DB regarding their applications, features, benefits, pricing, etc.

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What is Microsoft SQL Server?

Microsoft SQL Server is a database product. It enables users to create SQL queries and run them. Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most stable, secure, and dependable database systems available. It enables a wide range of transaction processing, analytics, and business intelligence applications in corporate IT environments.

Microsoft worked with Sybase Solutions in 1987 to develop a Database Management System (DBMS) that could compete with IBM and Oracle. Both firms agreed that Sybase would own all of the selling rights and profits generated by the non-Microsoft platform product.

Microsoft will own the database product created for Microsoft Platforms. The initial version of the database server product was published in 1989.

Features of Microsoft SQL Server

Instruments of assistance Database Tuning Advisor, SQL Server Profiler, BI tools, SQL Server Management Studio, and SQL Server Management Studio
Provides online help and documentation, as well as live product assistance
Advanced customization options for datatype mappings, as well as the ability to delete and rename objects
A progress pane displays the error and warning messages regarding the migration
SQL Server Database Engine management and authorization in a single, integrated environment
When a dialogue is active, resizable dialogues allow you to use multiple tools
Filtering and automatic refresh are included in the activity monitor feature
SQL Server Management Studio Importing and Exporting

Applications of Microsoft SQL Server

To build databases
To keep databases updated
SQL Server Analysis Services will be used to analyze the data
SQL Server Reporting Services is used to create reports
SQL Server Integration Services is used to perform ETL tasks

What is Oracle Database?

Oracle database is an RDMS (Relational Database Management System) created by Oracle Corporation. The software is based on a relational database system, and it allows users to access data objects using the SQL language. Oracle is a highly scalable RDBMS widely used worldwide.

Oracle Corporation has traveled a long way to become the multibillion-dollar technology firm it is today. Larry Ellison and Bob Miner, two developers, created the Oracle Organization in 1977. Both had prior database software development experience for other firms. They were able to create the first SQL-based RDBMS in 1978. Oracle Relational Database Management System is the name of the software.

Features of Oracle

When compared to databases, the ease with which data can be recovered
The RDMS system is capable of handling massive amounts of data with ease
You can switch platforms at any time
Allows for both scale-up and scale-out tactics
You can use the database to rerun real-world workloads in test environments, including online user and batch workloads
Virtualization technologies that are hardware and OS-specific are supported
VMWare support for SAP test and production environments
If the primary database is unavailable, the standby database can be used
It can be used for read-write, reporting, testing, or backups, which relieves the primary database of some of the load
Users benefit from uninterrupted processing, which removes the need for manual recovery

Applications of Oracle

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Human Capital Management (HCM)
Procurement.
Product Life-cycle Management.
Supply Chain Management.
Manufacturing.

SQL Server and Oracle Performance

When it comes to the performance of both database products, Oracle and SQL Server, Oracle is better suited to large businesses. SQL Server is better suited to companies that do not need everything in one location.

According to a 2015 survey, a skilled database administrator can do general functions 40% faster in Oracle than SQL Server. It is estimated that improving Oracle DBA productivity can save up to USD 33000 per DBA per year. As a result, the Oracle database system appears to be the winner in this category.

SQL Server and Oracle Cost

SQL Server licenses are somewhat less expensive than Oracle database licenses regarding pricing.

SQL Server:

Microsoft SQL Server has a starting price of $209.0. There are two plans available for Microsoft SQL Server:

The standard price is $209.00.
$13748.00 for Enterprise.

A Free Plan with limited functionality is also available from Microsoft SQL Server.

Oracle DB:

Autonomous Data Warehouse on Shared Infrastructure
Oracle Autonomous Data Warehouse
Unit price — $1.3441
Metric — vCPU per hour
Oracle Autonomous Database
Unit price — $118.40
Metric — Terabytes Storage Capacity per month
Autonomous Data Warehouse on Dedicated Infrastructure
Oracle Autonomous Data Warehouse
Unit price — $1.3441
Metric — vCPU per hour
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure –Database Exadata Infrastructure –Quarter Rack
Unit price — $14.5162
Metric — Hosted environment per hour
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure –Database Exadata Infrastructure — Half Rack
Unit price — $29.0323
Metric — Hosted environment per hour
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure –Database Exadata Infrastructure — Full Rack
Unit price — $58.0645
Metric — Hosted environment per hour
Autonomous Data Warehouse Bring Your Own License
Oracle Autonomous Data Warehouse
Unit price — $0.3226
Metric — vCPU per hour

Pros and Cons of SQL Server and Oracle

Pros
There is a feature in MS SQL Server that allows you to replicate data across many geographical locations. On the other hand, Oracle has a considerable file capacity and automatic memory management
Although SQL Server offers excellent availability and performance, the Oracle database is more dependable
Oracle makes it simple to handle millions of transactions. SQL Server is also simple to use, as it transforms database architecture into basic features that are simple to implement
Oracle’s cost optimization is suitable for data security. There are good security features in SQL Server too
Cons
More productivity access is possible in the Oracle database with improved support services. For specific actions, SQL Server lacks some built-in plugins, necessitating the purchase of third-party plugins
The Oracle DBMS is more expensive, and SQL Server can improve by integrating with other systems
Oracle may be made more user-friendly. The query optimizer in SQL Server needs to be slightly simplified

Summarized Comparison

Conclusion

Companies are continuously on the lookout for individuals who can handle and, more crucially, interpret data. It is more necessary than ever to employ relational database management systems like Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle Database, which have taken the enterprise world by storm. Oracle is best for individuals managing enormous amounts of data, while MS SQL Server is best for database newbies. In either case, knowing SQL will help you better understand your customers and goods.