The most valuable features for us are the cloud-like traits of ODB, grid computing with version 11g onward, live database, and Data Guard.
Co Founder & Executive Director at SatyaMoksh Inc.
The most valuable features for us are the cloud-like traits of ODB, grid computing with version 11g onward, live database, and Data Guard.
What is most valuable?
How has it helped my organization?
We're a non-profit with branches all over the world -- Africa, India, and the US -- so we need a database solution that can be centralized. We have an entire datacenter in India, but our users need access to it from our other locations.
The key thing we need is a database that can pretty much run virtually in the cloud, that is, with a virtual datacenter. When we decided on Oracle three years ago, OBD was the only database that was cloud-like, scalable, and more robust than other solutions available at the time.
What needs improvement?
Honestly, it's not really in the cloud as such, but the definition of "cloud" changes daily. It's more on VMs, but the VM's are so powerful that we can access the database from anywhere without investments in machines or other hardware. We've been doing this since 2010 and we haven't hosted with cloud providers like Datamark or AWS, so we essentially have our own cloud.
While Oracle has been excellent, they haven't been growing or leaping forward like other vendors. I heard that Microsoft SQL Server will begin working with Linux. If that happens, Oracle has to do something because the cost will be one-tenth that of Oracle.
What was my experience with deployment of the solution?
We haven't had any issues with the deployment of ODB.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is good as the product has matured over the past few years. We initially implemented in 2014 and had upgrades since. We had some issues, which we told Oracle about and which they fixed. We had integration with a backend database because we are an Oracle workshop when it comes to database. They did not have too many customers using Oracle as a backend database.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We haven't scaled because of the unique constraints of our customized datacenter, but we use Linux because of Windows limitations. But we have been able to go from a mom-and-pop garage shop to where we are now.
How are customer service and support?
The support is amazing. We have a great relationship with the non-profit technical support as well as with our sales rep with whom we've been with for ten years.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have used Microsoft SQL Server, but the problem with that is that runs only on Windows. We wanted it on other units. Then we used Sybase, but that is more of a financial database, and didn't help much for our non-profit business. Then we used IBM DB2. That's a nice database, but IBM was considerably more of a hardware than a software part.
We wanted someone who is a player only in the database world because we had everything else and because we are non-profit, we do have tie-up with different companies where we get a different special rate for licensing.
We prefer Oracle because they are the niche players in the database world. We are pretty happy.
How was the initial setup?
Because I'm a technical person and I have experience as a database administrator, the initial setup was pretty simple for me. The support was amazing and we didn't have huge roadblocks. If anything happened, such as issues with plugins, Oracle just gave us a patch.
What about the implementation team?
Our implementation was done in-house by me and my team.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Because we're a non-profit, we have a buffet deal. For the first three years, they won't charge us any license fees for any use. It's all-we-can-eat. After three years, they'll come back and look at the footprint and license us based on that. This is a big deal for non-profits, but Oracle is willing to do it.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We looked at others who specialize in the cloud, such as CloudData. But Oracle is penetrating the cloud field. If you look at the Magic Quadrant, Oracle is positioned well with its RDBMS and Exadata, along with EMC Greenplum, Microsoft Azure, IBM's cloud solution, and others. We did PoCs with them all.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Enterprise Architect at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees
Built in security, user-friendly, and highly stable
Pros and Cons
- "Oracle Database is the most widely accepted database, and it has built-in technical and security capabilities. It supports the new object in the database. The performance and security are very good, and it is user-friendly. There are a lot of people trained to use this solution which makes it simple to find assistance."
- "Oracle Database could improve by making migration less difficult and having better integration. For example, having the ability to communicate, using native features, to different databases. Mostly connectivity to different databases, such as open-source databases or any other database."
What is our primary use case?
We have deployed Oracle Database on-premise hardware and on-premise cloud.
Oracle Database is used as a database for various applications. We are using it for a lot of our warehouses.
What is most valuable?
Oracle Database is the most widely accepted database, and it has built-in technical and security capabilities. It supports the new object in the database. The performance and security are very good, and it is user-friendly. There are a lot of people trained to use this solution which makes it simple to find assistance.
What needs improvement?
Oracle Database could improve by making migration less difficult and having better integration. For example, having the ability to communicate, using native features, to different databases. Mostly connectivity to different databases, such as open-source databases or any other database.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Oracle Database since it was version 3 and they are on version 17. It has been a long time.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of the Oracle Database is very good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Oracle Database is scalable.
Everyone in our organization is using the solution. We have approximately 2,000 users using it directly or indirectly. We have developers, DBAs, system administrators, business analytics people, auditors, and regular users. Additionally, applications are using the database.
How are customer service and support?
I rate the support from Oracle Database a three out of five.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of the Oracle Database was straightforward.
If Oracle Database was for a new customer or a new installation, I'm not sure, how difficult it is since we have been doing the implementation for approximately 30 years. For us, it's very easy. We are used to the software.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of Oracle Database could improve, it is expensive and they are paid annually. We are looking for lower pricing and flexible pricing plans, they are very rigid in the price.
I rate the price of Oracle Database a two out of five.
What other advice do I have?
My advice would be for others to use the cloud version of this solution. Do not deploy it on-premise, and deploy them on the containers. Using containers, not directly on the infrastructure, then it makes it very easy, scalable, and more flexible to move around.
I rate Oracle Database an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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CIO at SERVA SERVICIOS ESPECIALIZADOS INFORMATICOS SA
Secure, performs well, easy to install and has a good dashboard
Pros and Cons
- "The dashboard may be the best solution for intelligent data management, as well as business intelligence."
- "Technical support needs improvement."
What is our primary use case?
Our company does not have an Oracle Database. We are in charge of maintenance and deployment. We have several managed services for several customers, and we administer and deploy Oracle databases in those customers.
We are system integrators who deploy projects with infrastructure and manage infrastructure services.
Our main customers are in the banking industry. In the banking environment, Oracle databases are used for a wide range of solutions.
For all bank transactions to communicate in the various Oracle databases, the data must be extracted from the host systems and brought to work at a data warehouse. With a special banking solution, it requires another banking program.
What is most valuable?
Oracle is used to deploy solutions. The dashboard may be the best solution for intelligent data management, as well as business intelligence.
We believe that Oracle in the cloud is more secure.
It is more scalable on-premises.
What needs improvement?
Technical support needs improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been providing Oracle Database for the last ten years.
We have been system integrators since the company's inception. I believe it will be 20 years that we have been working as system integrators.
We work both in the cloud and on-premises. We were born on-premises, but have spent the last five years working in a hybrid cloud model.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Oracle Database is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Oracle Database is scalable.
We have approximately 25 to 30 customers in the banking industry who use Oracle Database.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is okay, but some areas could be better.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Our core business is in the desktop virtualization model with Citrix and Microsoft. Citrix with desktop and Citrix solutions, as well as VMware and all virtualization software-defined projects.
We put all of our solutions in the cloud. It is one of our primary focuses, but some of our clients may prefer to have some of their infrastructure in on-premises solutions.
We use all of the virtuals from all of the databases. We use both Oracle and SQL.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. It's an easy installation.
The way we deploy services and project infrastructures in the cloud and on-premises differs.
We are deploying Oracle for large systems. We are aware that our customers have large Oracle systems.
What was our ROI?
There is a good return on investments.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
In the last two or three years, we have been active on the internet to research the deployments to bring to the customer.
What other advice do I have?
During the previous administration, we collaborated with our customers, and we preferred to deploy the new Oracle systems to the cloud, perhaps we are working on the journey from Oracle system to cloud, which is based in Oracle Cloud.
In general, I recommend the product. We have customers in Spain and Latin America, including Argentina, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and Mexico.
We introduce and maintain Oracle for these customers. Alternatively, one of the major customers is Bank Santander, Bank Sabadell, or Kaiser, which are large banks with operations all over the world.
We're collaborating with Oracle's architects and consulting solutions team in one part of the project and the Q&A in projects. We collaborate with Oracle consulting teams to deploy the solution in dashboards.
I would rate Oracle Database a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
Database Administrator at a financial services firm with 501-1,000 employees
Beneficial reports, functional GUI, and helpful support
Pros and Cons
- "There is a lot of functionality in Oracle Database. The reports and the GUI are good."
- "If Oracle Database could have more build-in features from some of their other products it would be good."
What is our primary use case?
Oracle Database is a national database system that we use in our organization.
What is most valuable?
There is a lot of functionality in Oracle Database. The reports and the GUI are good.
What needs improvement?
With the nature of my job, there are certain things that I would want to improve. I can do this by acquiring some of the other products from Oracle, which would then make work a little bit easier. For example, in terms of replication from one site to the other site, the GoldenGate solution would be something I would have to acquire. However, this is subject to the budget. If we have the money, we could acquire other solutions. At the moment, we don't have such solutions which we can acquire in the future when budgets are low.
If Oracle Database could have more build-in features from some of their other products it would be good.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Oracle Database for many years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Oracle Database is stable, the performance has been perfect.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of the Oracle Database is very good. It is easy to scale and you can have a tremendous about of users.
Our entire workforce is using this solution. For example, there is a payroll system and everybody has to access their payroll details. This is how the entire workforce will have access.
Over time we plan to increase usage of the Oracle Database. We will want to use some kind of an ERP in the future and when we do there will be many things happening on the one system.
We have a solution from Oracle and that in itself is not a complete solution. It's just a part that we have introduced. There are other parts that we will acquire over time. For example, we will keep our journal in Oracle instead of another system. We will do procurement in Oracle eventually. The solution can expand but you have to purchase the different parts.
How are customer service and support?
The support from Oracle is good. You raise your support cases over the support website and there will be support people that will work with you until you get a solution to the problem.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used dBase and it had limitations. Over the years it vanished from the market.
How was the initial setup?
The installation was simple.
What about the implementation team?
We used vendor integrators and consultants. This type of solution's installation cannot be done alone. Our experience with the help was very good, everything was successful.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We are on an annual license for the use of this solution.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend others to work with Oracle. Oracle is a huge company that knows its product very well.
I rateOracle Database a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Professor at a educational organization with 51-200 employees
User-friendly, versatile, and offers huge ROI
Pros and Cons
- "The command interface is very user-friendly. The required commands are not complicated and we are able to easily access the root system."
- "We believe that the usability could be improved, especially within the data lakehouse. We found content management to be a little bit more simpler within the GUI part."
What is our primary use case?
We are using this for our data warehouse as well as for many of our core banking systems.
What is most valuable?
The command interface is very user-friendly. The required commands are not complicated and we are able to easily access the root system.
What needs improvement?
We believe that the usability could be improved, especially within the data lakehouse. We found content management to be a little bit more simpler within the GUI part.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using the product for over 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product has been quite stable across all versions.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The database in-memory and also the extra data that we were using, was quite scalable. It had a range of capabilities, which we could see the high throughput and low latency. Scalability was very well-defined and innovative which has allowed us to stick with the product.
We have about 200 in-house users with more than 1.3 million subscribers. This requires about four to six database specialists for maintenance.
How are customer service and support?
They are committed on their SLAs and their availability is quite good. So, we are quite happy with with Oracle Database's customer service and support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have always stuck with Oracle.
How was the initial setup?
We were able to take advantage of a two-week POC to allow our technical team to become comfortable with the database. From here, it took just two to four weeks to deploy it to the mainstream and set up the whole system via data transfer.
What about the implementation team?
We relied mainly on our in-house team. An Oracle representative assisted us during our POC and we were able to phone them during deployment if needed.
What was our ROI?
The return on investment is quite good. We were able to see a growing number of subscribers. Considering the speed and amount of activities that were going on with banks, I would say we saw returns within two to three years.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Since we are in BPN, we utilize group licensing which has the tech support included.
What other advice do I have?
This product is definitely worth it. Our team is satisfied in all areas: price, scalability, support, etc.
I would rate this a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Director at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Flexible, with a variety of setup options and good technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The support is always very helpful and responsive."
- "The setup process can be a bit complex."
What is most valuable?
We are fine with the performance and everything they offer.
They are the market leader, therefore we don't have any problems or complaints as of now.
The support is always very helpful and responsive.
The solution is very flexible. It offers a variety of setups.
The stability is good.
What needs improvement?
While we get some performance issues from time to time, we get very good support from the Oracle support team, and those issues are sorted out.
The setup process can be a bit complex. You will want to have someone on-side that can help you navigate the process.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been working with the solution for 20 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
For the most part, the performance is good and it offers good stability. There aren't really bugs or glitches. it doesn't crash or freeze.
It's a market leader in RDBMS. It is quite good, compared to other RDBMS such as Db2, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support has been great. As part of operations, people just get some issues, sometimes, however, there might be different reasons for that that may not be related to Oracle itself. Overall we are fine with all the services it offers.
How was the initial setup?
This is a very, very vast database, and it offers a lot of architecture. We can go for grid architecture or rack architecture. We can go for the long architecture or we can go with a simple standalone database. Depending on what an organization wants, we can adapt. However, the implementation also depends on what you want or your organization wants. If you're looking for very complex data centers, for example, having one of the primary databases running in London, and your secondary database or DR site running in Singapore, and both are running on a different rack, you can do that, however, the setup process will be unique to you. There isn't a standard time it takes. It offers a lot of flexibility. Obviously, if you go for the high scalability, high availability, all those features, which are provided by Oracle, then it becomes slightly complex, and we need a dedicated team to handle all those setups.
What other advice do I have?
If you have the requirement of RDBMS and if you're posting logs there, then, I would suggest that you should go for Oracle. It all depends on your organization's technology roadmap. If a company is more inclined towards Microsoft technology, and they're inclined to Azure cloud, then probably they should go with an SQL Server. However, if they're inclined towards AWS or if they don't have any such consent, and if their costing allows, then Oracle is the best bet.
I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Senior Software Engineer at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Performance tuning feature provides useful hints and indexing
Pros and Cons
- "I love the performance tuning feature of Oracle Database because it provides hints and indexing, which are very valuable. Some of its other valuable features are its rack, record key vaults, and backup compression."
- "Oracle is very expensive. So if I suggest Oracle to a client, they'll often say it's too costly."
What is our primary use case?
We use Oracle Database in cases where there is a high volume of transactions and to improve the performance for high availability. We're an IBR company, so we're working mostly with call centers.
What is most valuable?
I love the performance tuning feature of Oracle Database because it provides hints and indexing, which are very valuable. Some of its other valuable features are its rack, record key vaults, and backup compression.
What needs improvement?
I'm familiar with various DevOps technologies and how GoogLeNet is working. With GoogLeNet, you can upgrade the application in real-time without downtime. This feature is currently not available in Oracle. If we can do everything in the database without downtime, that would be beneficial for the users.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Oracle Database for more than eight years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
If you get Oracle Database set up right the first time, it'll run many years without any errors. There are no problems with the database itself, but if it isn't configured correctly or you execute something incorrectly, that can cause a problem. If we use a database in the application and there is a problem, we can quickly fix it.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We can quickly and easily scale Oracle Database.
How are customer service and support?
Oracle technical support is wonderful. We've had no problem with that.
How was the initial setup?
The Oracle Database setup is not complex. The rack setup used to require a lot of specialized knowledge about how to set it up, but it has been simplified. For deployment, we create and execute, which takes about three to four hours.
What about the implementation team?
We were able to handle the deployment through an in-house team. And every two or three months, Oracle releases new security patches and bug fixes. So we check if it's relevant to our product and apply it. We have around six to seven database services, so we manage it when it is released.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Oracle is very expensive. So if I suggest Oracle to a client, they'll often say it's too costly.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Oracle Database 10 out of 10. I would recommend it. I've worked on many database solutions, like MySQL Server and Sybase, and Oracle is the best based on my experience. If you are considering implementing Oracle Database, I suggest thoroughly reading all the documentation first. Then, figure out a strategy for implementing it and all of the software you'll need. Before you start the setup, you should have full knowledge of the process.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
System Architect at CGI
A stable solution which performs well and is suitable for enterprise applications
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is stable and has good performance."
- "The licensing could be cheaper and clearer."
What is our primary use case?
We use version 12c, but are planning to migrate to 19c.
The solution is suitable for enterprise applications. We use it for trade systems and a betting system. We use it with applications that need a huge amount of data, such as SQL enterprise applications.
What needs improvement?
The licensing could be cheaper and clearer. It is not clear how it applies to certain options. The licensing of the solution for only several virtual servers is a big issue which should be addressed.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Oracle Database for many years, perhaps since 2001.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
How are customer service and support?
I have not had direct contact with tech support, although my colleagues have.
How was the initial setup?
I cannot comment on the initial installation, as it is handled by the Database Administrator, not I. He possesses the skill to install the solution and has never mentioned any issues with this. Perhaps my colleagues would be in a position to give a more comprehensive answer.
What about the implementation team?
In respect of the deployment and maintenance, we have two administrators, developers, an architect and a tester who are in charge of four applications.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing could be cheaper and clearer. It is not clear how it applies to certain options. The licensing of the solution for only several virtual servers is a big issue which should be addressed.
The license is yearly.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Although I would recommend the solution for certain applications, as there are licensing issues, I would prefer to use PostgreSQL where possible.
What other advice do I have?
There are many people making use of the solution in my organization, including developers, testers, end users and end application users. We may be talking about thousands. But when it comes to those with personal experience using the solution, we are talking about 40 or 50 people.
We plan to continue using the solution, as there are certain applications of ours which must remain on Oracle Database.
The solution is stable and has good performance. Licensing is the big issue we encounter.
Were I to rate Oracle Database strictly on its technical capabilities, I would have to give it a rating of nine out ten. However, its licensing issues bring this rating down to seven.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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