Working in mixed database environments is a very interesting
challenge, both for DBAs and developers. If we already have experience with SQL
Server, and need to work with Oracle, our SQL Server experience may be an
advantage - we already have a good handle on what an RDBMS should do
(backups, restores, etc.). On the other hand, our experience and common
patterns with SQL Server may cause us to make mistakes on Oracle, because its
internals and best practices are not the same.
I have read a book named “Oracle Database Administration for
Microsoft SQL Server DBAs”, and I really liked it. The book’s goal is to
introduce Oracle to SQL Server data professionals, to explain similarities and
differences between these two very common RDBMS. This book is filled with
practical, real life information, necessary to perform daily activities of a
production DBA. The book can really prevent us from missteps when we try to use
Oracle as if it were SQL Server. It has the following chapters:
-
Oracle Internals - I was especially fascinated by the description of transaction process flow, which is different in Oracle
-
Oracle Installation, which also describes a few useful Linux commands, and connectivity
-
Database Definitions and Setup (databases and schemas have different meanings)
-
DBA Tools
-
Database Backup, Restore, and Recovery
-
Database Maintenance
-
Performance and Tuning
-
PL/SQL (which is VERY different from T-SQL)
-
High Availability Architecture
Overall, this is a must-read book for any SQL Server
professional intending to improve their Oracle skills.
The author of the book, Michelle Malcher, is an Oracle ACE,
and is currently on the Board of the Independent Oracle User Group.She also co-authored another book, "
She leads
the DBA team at DRW, the same company I work for as a developer.