>----------
>> Date: Wednesday, March 19, 1997 2:09 AM
>>
>> My recommendation is NT with Microsoft SQL Server. Oracle will require
>Unix
>> and that means more headaches for you and you'll most likely need a
>> fulltime DBA. Also...NT with MS SQL Server will probably be less
>expensive
>> than other options.
>>
>> Craig
>>
>I don't have any doubt that MS SQL Server is much cheaper, if not free if
>you download an evaluation copy of 6.5 from the Web, but I don't think
>Oracle REQUIRES UNIX. As far as I know Oracle7.1 comes at least in 6
>flavors: SCO, Solaris x86, UnixWare, NetWare, NT, and OS2. If finances
>permit (what's a 20 grand among friends - accountants :), think hard,
>because even though Oracle is more expensive, there are numbers of reasons
>for it. MS SQL Server is simpler, but you will still have to learn quite a
>bit before you can adequately administer databases.
>
>Good luck.


You're right...Oracle doesn't require UNIX...but if I had to learn one of them, I'd pick SQL server. It is still easier to setup, maintain, and learn about.

Craig