RE: iSeries vs. Unix vs. SQL Server vs. Oracle

When we converted (re-implemented) from pseudo-ERP Lawson on the AS/400 to
Lawson on Unix/Oracle we were warned by our Lawson GAIN partner that we
would need something we hadn't needed on the AS/400: significant
administration resources (we already knew this).  You might ask your ERP
providers to give you recommendations for operation including machine sizing
and administration effort and staffing on their products.  You might also
ask for reference customers of a similar size and transaction volume to give
you the same type of information.  Document up front the expected platform
configuration, new technology implementation and training requirements, and
staffing requirements.

Regarding scalability - the question must be framed relative to how big
you'll need to scale.  It's easy to say that Win2K and SQL server isn't as
scalable, and requires knowledge of clustering technology if you get very
large, but it's still a question of "how big is big?"  Oracle, of course,
scales mighty huge -- as long as you have enough DBA's to keep it running.

Many businesses run successful, huge, reliable, highly-available Win2K/SQL
or Unix/Oracle installations.  You can spend a small fortune producing an
accurate TCO document.  There's no wrong answer as long as you staff, train,
and configure properly.

All of us here in the choir know that you can often operate cheaply and
easily on an iSeries.  Most folks don't care.

-Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: David Wright [mailto:dwright@xxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Friday, August 01, 2003 12:21 PM
To: 'midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx'
Subject: iSeries vs. Unix vs. SQL Server vs. Oracle


Hi All,

I need some feedback from the user community with regards to the platform we
intend to run our business on.  

We are currently looking for a new ERP package to replace our current one,
and the company has narrowed the field to two choices:  One iSeries-based,
and one SQL Server-based.

Based on my experience, I have ALWAYS found the iSeries/400 to be more
reliable and more scalable than SQL Server...especially in enterprise level
tasks.

What have your experiences been with SQL Server?
How do you suggest I convince the non-tech people in the selection team?
Do you know of any good reference articles comparing the two platforms?

Earlier in the process, there were Unix & Oracle proposals too.  Both have
been sidelined for now, but feedback there would be nice as well.

Thank you in advance for your assistance,
David Wright