We are using Oracle Database for financial applications.
Senior Systems Engineer at Dimension Data
Responsive support, simple deployment, and highly stable
Pros and Cons
- "One of the most valuable aspects of Oracle Database is the maturity of the solution."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
One of the most valuable aspects of Oracle Database is the maturity of the solution.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Oracle Database for approximately five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Oracle Database is a highly stable solution.
Buyer's Guide
Oracle Database
February 2025
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Learn what your peers think about Oracle Database. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2025.
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The workloads of Oracle Database are scalable.
We have approximately 50 people using the solution. We do have plans to increase the number of users but not at the moment.
How are customer service and support?
The support from Oracle is fairly good. They have knowledge-based articles that you can consult before you need their direct support, we're happy with the support.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of the Oracle Database is straightforward. However, it does require some skills and knowledge. The process takes approximately two hours.
What about the implementation team?
We used two internal engineers for the implementation of the Oracle Database.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The Oracle Database licensing price could be less expensive. We pay annually for the use of the solution.
What other advice do I have?
We are happy with Oracle Database.
I rate Oracle Database a right 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.
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DB Architect / Consultant at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees
Oracle Database is Zero Down Time and Zero Data loss at any given situation
Pros and Cons
- "As a database, the solution has been number one from the beginning."
- "The features should be communicated to end users in the proper way."
How has it helped my organization?
As a database, the solution has been number one from the beginning, in my experience, because of the features and the performance. The solution has a number of Features including , Maximum Availability Architecture for zero downtime and Zero Data lost.
The only issue is the speed that Oracle is going with the technology transformation. The marketplace is not adapting. As a whole, Oracle innovation is very fast as an organization, but end users are not so much in a hurry to go.
What needs improvement?
An area that could be improved is information. Everything is going on containerization architecture now. Oracle is also coming up with data Shards with their Multitenancy Architecture to support this containerization. The gap is in marketing the features and the knowledge that the end users are having. The end users must be educated about the current features, and that is what is lacking with Oracle.
Additional features that could be added in the future need Real Time Analytics features and multi-cloud support. But I have seen Oracle is coming up with the Lakehouse and the delta Lake concepts. Oracle is heading in the right direction, but the features should be communicated to end-users in the proper way.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been working with Oracle for over twenty years.
How are customer service and support?
Overall, the technical support is a little bit lacking, and they should improve. Especially the team who is deployed to handle these tickets. Around 50% of the team itself is lacking some knowledge on handling texting and knowledge. They are very good superior resources, that I understand, but in the APEC region, a little bit of lacking. Especially in India and Singapore, because those are not well handled. But in the US, they handle those things.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I believe Oracle has reduced the pricing.
What other advice do I have?
Every thing starts with a proper foundation , so as with Oracle Database Architecture. Any one with solid architectural foundation will have a life long journey with Oracle Database.
This knowledge includes conceptual understanding hands-on with scenario and solutions basis which will allow the DBA to get through with the product. This What I am doing in the trainings that I conduct - https://www.youtube.com/c/tech...
I would give the solution a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Oracle Database
February 2025
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Learn what your peers think about Oracle Database. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2025.
838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Head Of Information Technology at a financial services firm with 501-1,000 employees
Stable, with good technical support, but very expensive
Pros and Cons
- "The scalability is quite good."
- "They should be putting more emphasis on the Windows platform. Usually, they run very well on the Linux platform, however, their performance on Windows is a little bit lower quality."
What is our primary use case?
We are using the solution for our online transaction system - that is debit cards - and we are using it for our loan origination system as well. There are two systems that are deployed on it and we are getting a good experience from it.
What is most valuable?
The Data Guard feature is the most valuable aspect of the solution.
The initial setup is pretty straightforward.
The solution is stable.
The scalability is quite good.
I have always found the technical support to be very helpful.
What needs improvement?
The solution is expensive. They should work at making the pricing more reasonable.
They should be putting more emphasis on the Windows platform. Usually, they run very well on the Linux platform, however, their performance on Windows is a little bit lower quality.
They have to work on their flashback feature. Right now, it is a cumbersome process.
It is actually very heavy on the storage. If Oracle could do something about it, that would be great.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for the last 23 years at this point. It's been over two decades. I've used it for a long time.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is quite good. there are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The product is quite scalable. You can add as many servers as you would like to. It's not a problem.
The product is not deployed for the user base. It is deployed for the backend service. The amount of actual users is only one or two people.
We do not have plans to increase usage. The cost is too much of a factor now. I'm not sure if I will be using it anymore.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support has been great. I am satisfied with the level of service we receive.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have Oracle Database and SQL Central Server Database in our environment. We're moving to SQL based on the generally high cost of Oracle.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very straightforward.
I'm very comfortable with Oracle as well, so for me, it was very, very convenient. I can't speak to the end-user or a user with the lower skillset in terms of their capabilities of setting it up. However, if you have some experience with Oracle, it's not bad.
The deployment only takes 45 minutes to an hour. It doesn't take long.
What about the implementation team?
I have installed it personally and it is very straightforward. However, it is possible to use an integrator or consultant to get the proper assistance.
What was our ROI?
We don't really calculate the ROI on the database itself. We calculate the ROI for the system. On whichever system is deployed on a database, we calculate it on a community basis. Therefore, of course, we get the ROI from whatever technology we deploy.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
While I'm a fan of Oracle as a solution, I am not a fan of the cost. It is very expensive.
For medium to small organizations, the current cost might not be viable as compared to SQL Server, which is much cheaper than Oracle and provides approximately the same functionality that they have.
You can choose a core-based license or a user-based license. There are no extra costs above the standard licensing fees. Typically it is a five-year contract that can be paid monthly or yearly.
What other advice do I have?
We are a customer and an end-user.
I'd advise those considering the solution to always keep their logs on a different database. Also, they have to make sure the parameterization they do in their initial setup is very, very extensively thought out.
I'd rate the solution at a seven 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.
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.
PCI DSS Program Manager at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Stable, reasonably priced, and straightforward to set up
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very stable."
- "The quality of technical support could be better. They could respond faster."
What is our primary use case?
The solution is primarily used for the core banking system, for cloud disaster recovery, for business continuity planning, and lots of other business cases. We use it for the core banking system and card system for applications.
What is most valuable?
The Oracle BI, Business Intelligence, is its most valuable aspect. Oracle BI has been very helpful for me during my career. To have business analytics and to deal with big data with the multiple organizations I've worked for has been great.
The solution is very stable.
We've found the solution to be scalable.
The initial setup isn't too complicated.
The pricing isn't too bad.
What needs improvement?
Their cloud services should be improved and expanded.
The quality of technical support could be better. They could respond faster.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for 12 to 15 years at this point. It's been well over a decade. I've used it for quite a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is very good. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is there if you need it. It expands quite well.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is okay, however, sometimes it takes a while for them to respond It would be nice if they were faster. We aren't 100%v satisfied with the level of service we get from them.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I also use Microsoft.
How was the initial setup?
While it depends on the testing scenarios, depends on the application that we're going to serve, and depends on the hardware you're using, it's not hard. I wouldn't describe the process as complex.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We're fine with the licensing and costs.
What other advice do I have?
We are simply customers and end-users. We don't have a business relationship with Oracle.
I use various versions of the solution, however, every year, they release a new version and I end to install it.
I use multiple deployment models, including on-premises and cloud.
I'd give the solution a perfect ten out of ten rating. It really is a fantastic product. We've been very happy with its capabilities and reliability.
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.
Software Development Manager at gama
Is powerful, fast, and easy to install
Pros and Cons
- "It's powerful and fast, and the backup system is wonderful."
- "Even if you have backup discs and never use Data Guard, you still have to pay for a license for it."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use it for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and HR. We also use it for financial modules and inventory.
What is most valuable?
The database is perfect. It's powerful and fast, and the backup system is wonderful.
It is easy to install as well.
What needs improvement?
After Oracle bought Sun Microsystems, they blocked all patches, even while using Solaris 8 or 9. So, we cannot get the patches for them.
You have to purchase extra licenses for Oracle Data Guard. Even if you have backup discs and never use Data Guard, you still have to pay for a license for it.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Oracle Database since 2002.
How are customer service and technical support?
We are satisfied with Oracle's technical support. Depending on the situation, they may respond within an hour or in a day to weeks if testing needs to be done.
How was the initial setup?
Oracle Database is easy to install. I have never come across a big problem during these 20 years.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Oracle requires you to purchase extra licenses for Oracle Data Guard.
What other advice do I have?
Oracle seems to be losing power and losing customers in the last two to three years. However, I still think it's a good solution and rate it at nine on a scale from one to 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.
Project Manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Reliable, secure, good support, and it is easy to set up
Pros and Cons
- "It's a secure market leader."
- "The consumption of memory and the client memory has been increased exorbitantly in the most recent past."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution to develop applications for our clients.
What is most valuable?
It's a secure market leader.
What needs improvement?
The consumption of memory and the client memory has been increased exorbitantly in the most recent past.
With performance devices, it requires the system to be upgraded to the newer version, which was something that was unlike before.
If the memory consumption can be kept low for the client, at least, then that would be great.
We would like to see smooth reporting for the indexes, which can be easily done. If we want an entire report for each consolidation, we would have to do it manually. If the system could be smarter with artificial intelligence then it would be better.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Oracle Database for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's quite stable. We don't experience any downtime.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We are not a full data center environment as of now. We develop for our customers and we have not scaled it.
We have 20 dedicated users in our company and may increase usage in the future.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is fine.
We have some people who have been working with Oracle for a long time, so we don't usually require much support because the knowledge bases are already established.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was fine. It was not a challenge.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Definitely, it's an expensive product.
Because it's dominant in the market for database-related products, the price is a bit expensive compared with others.
What other advice do I have?
It's a pretty good solution. It's secure in the market for relational databases. It's been the best storage for several years.
If your purpose is to get into the relational schema then Oracle is the best. If you are interested in structured data then Oracle is the best choice. If you are interested in unstructured data then go with something else.
I would rate Oracle Database and eight 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.
Data Architect at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
Simple to use and stable, with detailed documents for easy install
Pros and Cons
- "it is very easy to use the product."
- "Customer support could be faster, you currently have to write your issue to them and then they will get back to you after 24-hours."
What is most valuable?
It is very easy to use the product.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for many years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We currently have 18 people in our organization using this product. I find it to be a stable product.
How are customer service and technical support?
Customer support could be faster, you currently have to write your issue to them and then they will get back to you after 24-hours.
How was the initial setup?
Depending on the product used, the installation time can vary. The installation was easy and straightforward. The supplied instructional documentation for install is clear to follow.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Oracle Database a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
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