Oracle Database vs. Microsoft SQL Server

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Oracle Database
Score 8.0 out of 10
N/A
Oracle Database, currently in edition 23c, offers native support for property graph data structures and graph queries. If you're looking for flexibility to build graphs in conjunction with transactional data, JSON, Spatial, and other data types, we got you covered. Developers can now easily build graph applications with SQL using existing SQL development tools and frameworks.N/A
Microsoft SQL Server
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database.
$1,418
Per License
Pricing
Oracle DatabaseMicrosoft SQL Server
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Subscription
$1,418.00
Per License
Enterprise
$13,748.00
Per License
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Oracle DatabaseMicrosoft SQL Server
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details——
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Oracle DatabaseMicrosoft SQL Server
Considered Both Products
Oracle Database
Chose Oracle Database
Microsoft SQL Server is our most commonly used DBMS because most vendors support it. The user interface for SQL Server Management studio is also very easy to use. For this reason, we usually prefer SQL Server over Oracle. However, we also support Oracle because it is a …
Chose Oracle Database
Oracle Database 12c is far superior to Microsoft SQL Server (or any other database in fact). For starters, Oracle 12c offers much better performance and higher reliability. That itself should make the difference. Oracle 12c is also superior in terms of features.
On a high level, …
Chose Oracle Database
We currently use all of the above database technologies in different applications, but where the application is mission-critical we use Oracle. Microsoft SQL Server is good for canned applications such as back-office or HR. MySQL does not have the same level of logging or …
Chose Oracle Database
Oracle Database is best in business, consistent, and robust. Even the standard version is sufficient for the best performance. The main thing is I have never seen corruption and in my opinion, it is best when used with Linux.
Chose Oracle Database
We use SQL Server for other modules of our MLFF Tolling System, so I work on a daily basic with both database engines. Oracle is recognized and distinguished by scalability and performance, ensuring a secure environment to host our critical data that comes from multiple …
Chose Oracle Database
In my opinion, Oracle Database is highly reliable, has better performance with large databases and little to no maintenance once everything is setup. Also, recovery of the Oracle database is much simpler and easier.
Chose Oracle Database
Microsoft SQL is just as stable and almost as sellable with a much lower cost of ownership (staff and licensing). But as our primary application doesn't support Microsoft SQL we had to license Oracle.
Chose Oracle Database
Oracle Database is among the easiest to integrate with, program against, have a reliable cluster with DR, and has the most understood and well-documented databases. It suits really well if the software shop is primarily Java-based, and deals with large volumes of data with a …
Chose Oracle Database
Oracle 12c is good for all business applications but still consider Microsoft SQLServer for internal/other applications to save on cost.
Chose Oracle Database
Oracle is more of an enterprise-level database than Access and SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise isn't getting developed much (some people wonder how close it is to end of life) but SQL Server is miles ahead of Oracle IMO in terms of user experience and comparable in terms of …
Chose Oracle Database
We use IBM DB2 in AS400 to handle part of our accounting system and our legacy ERP. We are migrating all functionalities to Oracle Database 12c because it is more secure and stable. We have some applications using SQL Server but we want to handle those systems in it because at …
Chose Oracle Database
For mission-critical data analytical delivery for database over 100GB, Oracle provides much better performance and stability over SQL server.
Chose Oracle Database
Oracle Database 12c is head and shoulders above SQL Server for what we need it to do, and the performance is much better. Oracle Database has been in place at our company for a while, and it was really a no brainer going to Oracle Database version 12c instead of another …
Chose Oracle Database
Oracle database is the top one. As we have been using Oracle databases, we upgraded Oracle Database 11g to Oracle Database 12c R2.
Chose Oracle Database
While I was not available for the original selection, the reason I have fought to keep it in place and not change is mainly due to performance and security. The company has sought other options, however, I continue to maintain that this is the best course of action in our …
Chose Oracle Database
We used SQL Server mainly because customers have some legacy applications that can only run on that environment, but SQL Server is good as well. It is easiest to manage users privileges, set up maintenance plans or create a new database from scratch by just using a backup file. …
Chose Oracle Database
Since we were already using a previous version or Oracle Database 12c, there was not much of an evaluation or comparison of similar products.
Chose Oracle Database
Oracle is, I believe, the most expensive, but also the most feature-rich of the group. For in-house development, it stands apart from the pack.
Chose Oracle Database
Currently I utilize SQL Server to support vendor code and do not go very much in there.
Chose Oracle Database
1. The commercial application required an Oracle database running at the back end
2. Existing Oracle expertise makes it easy to manage an Oracle database
3. Confidence in Oracle databases: No need to worry about performance, scalability.
Chose Oracle Database
For some implementations in my company, Oracle Database was selected because all the support, experience, features, continuing development, etc that the product and Oracle's company has been providing so far, but also, it was selected by the system's company that my …
Microsoft SQL Server
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is a comprehensive solution as transactional database, data warehouse, analytics, reporting, and ETL. It also integrates with the cloud well (Azure). The ease of use and setup makes this better than Oracle Database because the query syntax is also different …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is one of the fastest RDBMS systems available in the market. Pricing is a bit on the higher side but all the features it provides pretty much justifies it. It can be integrated with a large number of frameworks thus enabling to work on multiple frameworks …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
I think both tools are really powerful and close to each other but since I moved to Europe I realized that most of the companies have been using SQL Server which in my opinion means something. The support from Microsoft I also consider a bit better and you can also find more …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle are both extremely powerful and scalable enterprise relational database platforms. Microsoft SQL sets itself apart with its ease of use and licensing and support model. Microsoft is good company to work with and they provide clear and …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
The free version is very powerfull and easy to install and use for small companies.
Going to Professional and Standard, gives you all the support and the flexibility needed. It is known within the Database Administrator crew, and you can get support very easily over the …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
We use both Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server for our entire product line, using the best features of each of them to solve different business requirements and technical challenges. Microsoft SQL Server is simpler to install and use, but lacks some advanced features and has fewer …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
I was not too impressed with Oracle. Following the manual prohibited installation. They did provide a phone number and explained the manual was wrong and provided me with the correct information with which I was able to install the product. This was awhile back and I do not …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Oracle DB and SQL Server are very much alike. They provide the same quality of service and applications. The difference is only the price and support from them. Development codes and almost similar and can be used either way, which is very favorable for users. They can adopt to …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
For a single vendor solution, SQL Server is the best choice in my opinion. Most of the other solutions do not offer the full range of products in a single package. Also, for a largely Microsoft shop, there are additional integrations which increase the value proposition. …
Chose Microsoft SQL Server
Compared to free versions, SQL Server just blows away the free/open-source software. Things just run faster, and better, and at less overhead. This is truer and truer with the later versions. Microsoft just invests so much into research and development into their product. And …
Top Pros
Top Cons
Best Alternatives
Oracle DatabaseMicrosoft SQL Server
Small Businesses
SingleStore
SingleStore
Score 9.8 out of 10
SingleStore
SingleStore
Score 9.8 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
SingleStore
SingleStore
Score 9.8 out of 10
SingleStore
SingleStore
Score 9.8 out of 10
Enterprises
SingleStore
SingleStore
Score 9.8 out of 10
SingleStore
SingleStore
Score 9.8 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Oracle DatabaseMicrosoft SQL Server
Likelihood to Recommend
9.1
(178 ratings)
9.6
(96 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.0
(6 ratings)
9.0
(6 ratings)
Usability
7.4
(5 ratings)
9.9
(10 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(4 ratings)
7.9
(25 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.6
(3 ratings)
9.0
(5 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
Oracle DatabaseMicrosoft SQL Server
Likelihood to Recommend
Oracle
I believe Oracle Database is still the best RDBMS database which is the database to consider for OLTP applications and for Adhoc requests. They are good in Datawarehousing in certain aspects but not the best. Oracle is also a great database for scaling up with their Clusterware solution which also makes the database highly available with services moving to the live instance without much trouble.
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Microsoft
Microsoft SQL Server is a great RDBMS and meets all of our requirements. If you need a stable DB platform to support your line of a business application you'll be well served. Licensing costs are far cheaper, more portable and a lot more user friendly than Oracle. Product support and security patches from Microsoft are strong.
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Pros
Oracle
  • Best thing about it is that it supports PL/SQL which is helpful in writing complex quarries easily.
  • Its storage capacity , backup and recovery features make it the best database storage tool available.
  • Other thing I like about this software is its interface is so good.
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Microsoft
  • Easy to configure and use with Visual Studio and Dot Net
  • Easy integration with MSBI to perform data analysis
  • Data Security
  • Easy to understand and use
  • Very easy to export database and tables in the form of SQL query or a script
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Cons
Oracle
  • The memory demand and management makes it impossible to run it in a container.
  • It is hard to perform local unit testing with Oracle even using the personal edition (aggressive all the available memory grab for itself).
  • Lack of built in database migrations (e.g. as Flyway).
  • The need to install the Oracle client in addition to its drivers.
  • The cost of running it, especially in the Cloud.
  • Comes with very spartan community grade client/management tools whereas the commercial offerings tend to demand a premium price.
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Microsoft
  • The import/export process can be tricky to follow with lots of steps and could be better for importing flat files
  • Obtaining help from Microsoft is cumbersome and often other internet sources are better and quicker
  • The documentation is not great and again it's generally better to obtain help elsewhere if needed
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Likelihood to Renew
Oracle
There is a lot of sunk cost in a product like Oracle 12c. It is doing a great job, it would not provide us much benefit to switch to another product even if it did the same thing due to the work involved in making such a switch. It would not be cost effective.
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Microsoft
We understand that the Microsoft SQL Server will continue to advance, offering the same robust and reliable platform while adding new features that enable us, as a software center, to create a superior product. That provides excellent performance while reducing the hardware requirements and the total cost of ownership of our solution.
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Usability
Oracle
Many of the powerful options can be auto-configured but there are still many things to take into account at the moment of installing and configuring an Oracle Database, compared with SQL Server or other databases. At the same time, that extra complexity allows for detailed configuration and guarantees performance, scalability, availability and security.
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Microsoft
SQL Server mostly 'just works' or generates error messages to help you sort out the trouble. You can usually count on the product to get the job done and keep an eye on your potential mistakes. Interaction with other Microsoft products makes operating as a Windows user pretty straight forward. Digging through the multitude of dialogs and wizards can be a pain, but the answer is usually there somewhere.
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Reliability and Availability
Oracle
No answers on this topic
Microsoft
Its does not have outages.
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Performance
Oracle
No answers on this topic
Microsoft
SSAS data cubes may some time slow down your Excel reports.
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Support Rating
Oracle
1. I have very good experience with Oracle Database support team. Oracle support team has pool of talented Oracle Analyst resources in different regions. To name a few regions - EMEA, Asia, USA(EST, MST, PST), Australia. Their support staffs are very supportive, well trained, and customer focused. Whenever I open Oracle Sev1 SR(service request), I always get prompt update on my case timely. 2. Oracle has zoom call and chat session option linked to Oracle SR. Whenever you are in Oracle portal - you can chat with the Oracle Analyst who is working on your case. You can request for Oracle zoom call thru which you can share the your problem server screen in no time. This is very nice as it saves lot of time and energy in case you have to follow up with oracle support for your case. 3.Oracle has excellent knowledge base in which all the customer databases critical problems and their solutions are well documented. It is very easy to follow without consulting to support team at first.
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Microsoft
We managed to handle most of our problems by looking into Microsoft's official documentation that has everything explained and almost every function has an example that illustrates in detail how a particular functionality works. Just like PowerShell has the ability to show you an example of how some cmdlet works, that is the case also here, and in my opinion, it is a very good practice and I like it.
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In-Person Training
Oracle
No answers on this topic
Microsoft
It was good
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Online Training
Oracle
No answers on this topic
Microsoft
very hands on and detailed training
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Implementation Rating
Oracle
Overall the implementation went very well and after that everything came out as expected - in terms of performance and scalability. People should always install and upgrade a stable version for production with the latest patch set updates, test properly as much as possible, and should have a backup plan if anything unexpected happens
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Microsoft
Other than SQL taking quite a bit of time to actually install there are no problems with installation. Even on hardware that has good performance SQL can still take close to an hour to install a typical server with management and reporting services.
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Alternatives Considered
Oracle
Oracle is more of an enterprise-level database than Access and SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise isn't getting developed much (some people wonder how close it is to end of life) but SQL Server is miles ahead of Oracle IMO in terms of user experience and comparable in terms of performance AFAIK. As stated, a vendor forced our hand to use Oracle so we did not have a choice. If you are looking for help with an issue you are having, there are lots of SQL Server articles, etc. on the web and the community of SQL Server developers and DBA's is very strong and supportive. Oracle's help on the web is much more limited and often has an attitude that goes with it of superiority and lacking in compassion, IMO. For instance, check out the Ask Tom Oracle blog - a world of difference. If you choose Oracle, go into it with eyes wide open.
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Microsoft
[Microsoft] SQL Server has a much better community and professional support and is overall just a more reliable system with Microsoft behind it. I've used MySQL in the past and SQL Server has just become more comfortable for me and is my go to RDBMS.
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Scalability
Oracle
No answers on this topic
Microsoft
SQL server does handle growing demands of a mid sized company.
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Return on Investment
Oracle
  • Oracle Database 12c has had a very positive impact on our ability to build strong and robust custom applications in house without the need to come up with our own methods of data storage and management.
  • Oracle Database 12c has the strongest user interface of any database I have worked with and continuously is improving its strength with the addition of support for JSON and XML type objects in the database.
  • Oracle Database 12c is sometimes very heavy and DBA intensive, but the benefits far outweigh the costs, which we need to spend on DBA support for enabling security and access features.
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Microsoft
  • Increased accuracy - We went from multiple users having different versions of an Excel spreadsheet to a single source of truth for our reporting.
  • Increased Efficiency - We can now generate reports at any time from a single source rather than multiple users spending their time collating data and generating reports.
  • Improved Security - Enterprise level security on a dedicated server rather than financial files on multiple laptop hard drives.
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