Oracle

Oracle is a database system that runs on the server, and used to manage the data. The other name to database server is Back-End.

The latest version of the Oracle server is 9i.

Oracle server runs on different platforms. The following are some of the platforms on which Oracle runs.

Ø Windows NT.

Ø Novel Netware

Ø Unix

What is Personal Oracle?

Personal Oracle is one of the flavors of Oracle. In this Oracle server and client both run on the same machine. This is unlike other flavors where Oracle Server runs on Server and Front-end runs on Client.

It is possible to develop an application using Personal Oracle and deploy it in a Client / Server environment. Personal Oracle can support up to 15 database connections.

Features of Oracle

The following are some of the important features of Oracle Server.

Large Database Support

Oracle supports largest database, potentially hundreds of pita bytes in size. It also allows efficient usage of space by providing full control on space management.

Data Concurrence

Oracle supports concurrent access to database by multiple users. It automatically locks and unlocks rows to maintain integrity of the data.

Industry acceptance standards

Oracle server is 100% compliant with Entry of the ANSI / ISO standards. Oracle adheres to industry standards for data access language, network protocols etc. This makes Oracle an ‘open’ system, which protects the investment of customer. It is easy to port Oracle applications.

Portability

Oracle software can be ported to different operating systems and it is the name on all systems. Application development in Oracle can be ported to any operating system with little or no modifications.

Enforced Integrity

Oracle allows users to define business rules and enforce them. These rules need not be included at the application level.

Data Security

Oracle provides security in different levels – system level and object level. It also makes implementation of security easier through Roles.

Support for Client / Server environment

Oracle allows process to be split between client and server. Oracle server does all database management whereas Client does user interface. Oracle server allows code to be stored in the database in the form of procedures and functions. This allows centralization of the code and reduces network traffic.