career advice - oracle or sql-server

[JoJoGabor]

from the prod environments i have seen, oracle tends to be larger more critical financial apps running on linux, sql for smaller less-critical apps. so i guess you ahould also consider, what sectors, size of companies and operatimg systems you want to work in or have experience of

[fckvwls]

Oracle is deeply unfashionable (and loosing ground fast), but that could drive up the rate.

I don't understand the basis or thinking behind this statement.

[lilelvis2000]

Six of one. half dozen of the other when it comes to DBA on either. But for development SQL Server is the way to go.

[richard101]

Hi all, seasons greetings and all that. I'm about to return to contracting and would value a little career advice.

I have many (,many) years experience as a DBA (and btw db-developer), and am wondering whether to specialize in Oracle or SQL-Server as a DBA.

Reasons to specialize as a Oracle-DBA
- much more interesting
- less wallies (ie: semi-skilled technicians)
- better rate
- no exams needed (impossible to bluff your way in)

Reasons to specialize as a SQL-Server DBA
- way more contracts
- easy (...to be outstanding)
- climbing rates

Ofcourse I have two CV's (focusing on one or the other). But also have two books waiting to be studied (if your interested ..."SQL Server 2008 admin pocket consultant" and "Oracle wait interface: A practical guide...."), and don't really want to sit on the fence much longer (I'm a specialist, by character).

My fav saying from when I last contracted (2000), was "I.T. is a fashion industry". IE: It was better to major in the shiny new thing (at that time). Oracle is deeply unfashionable (and loosing ground fast), but that could drive up the rate. And there are so many Big oracle installations it seems unlikely to disappear in my (working) life-time. (similar to DB2).

But I worry that if I go with my heart for Oracle, my SQL-Sever skills may become out-of-date - and I may becoming (professionally) extinct.

any advice please

richard101