Srdjan

As for the license, it depend on the version. Enterprise, Standard or the free version. Yes free version with 4 gig of limit. I think they call it Oracle lite.
The license can be done by server numbers/power and/or users. You have to talk to them to get the exact cost.
Support is optional but as I remember it was around $5000 per year for enterprise version (based on our project, 6 years ago).

As for the administration, it depends on the project. Large project will need a DBA.
After reading couple of books and having a tool such as TOAD, administration can be manageable. (SQLdeveloper is a free tool from Oracle and it's great) But if you want to get all benefit of Oracle you need to spend some time. I suggest going to DBA class.

Download the free version and SQLdeveloper and start testing if you did not already done so.

Mo

>Dear All,
>
>I need to port one of our apps to Oracle as backend.
>So it will be ClientServer , NTIER with preferably easily switchable
>backend.
>
>All links to articles, hints, clues etc are highly appreciated.
>
>Oracle owners ;
>
>How complex is Oracle Administration ?
>
>How about cost of ownership ?
>Is there any periodical fees to be paid to Oracle after main licence is purchased ?
>
>Again any help is highly appreciated.
>
>TIA
>Sergio