> first - Oracle is chasing SQL Server's ease of use.

Maybe, but if this logic applies, you could say that SQL Server is chasing Oracle on the first four top features mentioned in the article.

> second - Sr. Oracle DBAs aren't very pleased.

All DBMSs are facing the same dilemma or challenge when it comes to automation for ease of use.

==from the eWeek article==

> Oracle has become so automated that you can end up with a DBA that > doesnt really know what is happening, and that is getting a lot of > companies in trouble.

We ran into this with SQL Server DBAs all the time.

personally i am quite happy that SQL Server is so easy to install and put up a basic application that will break down under heavy load, and eventually requires a skilled person to solve the problems later.

so the oracle dba should quit crying, they don't need to be involved in small apps, but will probably never be replaced, except by another person

I'm not really an Oracle guy, but I don't think the version being referred to is actually Oracle "11gs" - I think the article was meant to read "Oracle 11g's Ease of Use" and they left out the apostrophe?  Whether this makes me a member of the punctuation-police or the version-police (or just an idiot if I'm wrong!) I'll leave for you to decide...