John & Jim,

OK, well, maybe I can't speak for all database servers. I was primarily talking about SQL Server, since that's what I use (although I don't know why others would be different).

But, I *still* think that even if the database is "owned" by an overly possessive DBA, it doesn't make it any less of a best practice methodolgy. It just makes it harder to achieve. If the DBA doesn't want the developers touching his precious database, then he can write the SP's himself. And yes, Jim, if it's not possible because "specific conditions warrant otherwise", then ok, don't do it that way.

~~Bonnie