Comparison of Oracle and SQL Server Management Tools

Problem

It is helpful to know the different tools that are available to manage SQL Server and Oracle. In this tip we look at a comparison of similar tools between the two database platforms.

Solution

What is the main tool to administer the database?

SQL Server	Oracle
The main tool is SQL Server Management Studio.	For Oracle by default Oracle SQL Developer is usually installed.

What feature is used for integration with other data sources?

SQL Server	Oracle
SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) allows you to load data from other Data Sources like Oracle, MySQL, MariaDB, etc. You can also execute Web Services and scripts.	The Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) is used to integrate different data sources. Some companies are still using the Oracle Warehouse Builder (OWB), but the ODI is definitely more powerful.

What tool is used to create reports?

SQL Server	Oracle
SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is primarily used for reporting. These tools are usually combined with SharePoint, but it can also be stand-alone. You can also use Power View, PowerPivot, etc..	There are several tools for this purpose. For example Oracle Reports, Discoverer, Hyperion.

What tools are used for replication?

SQL Server	Oracle
You can use SQL Server Management Studio and go to the replication node to implement SQL Server Replication. You can also use T-SQL scripts. Another option is Microsoft Sync Framework.	In Oracle 12c you can use the advanced Replication Interface in Oracle Enterprise Manager Cloud Control. The replication management API is a set of PL-SQL packages. This is used to replicate data using the command line. Fore more information, check out the Introduction to Advanced Replication option.

What tools are used to create programs to connect to the database?

SQL Server	Oracle
You can program with several platforms, but Visual Studio is the main Microsoft development environment used to program in C#, C++, J#, F#, VB.net, etc.	You can use several Platforms, but the main Oracle tool is Java.

What platform is used to work in the cloud?

SQL Server	Oracle
There are several tools to work in the Cloud, but the platform used by Microsoft is Microsoft Azure.	There are several tools to work in the cloud, but the platform used by Oracle is the Oracle Cloud.

Does the database accept multidimensional databases (OLAP)?

SQL Server	Oracle
SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) accepts multidimensional databases. You can use SSMS or the SQL Server Data Tools to create them. Also, you can do it programmatically using AMO (Analysis Services Management Objects) using your favorite programming language.	You can use Essbase to create multidimensional databases.

Is there a way to do database mirroring?

SQL Server	Oracle
You can use SSMS or T-SQL to use the Database Mirroring technology.	You can use Storage Remote Mirroring and Active Data Guard.

Is there a way to do log shipping?

SQL Server	Oracle
You can do Log Shipping using SSMS or T-SQL scripts.	You can do log shipping, but it is recommended to use other High Availability solutions like Data Guard.

Next Steps

For more information about Oracle and SQL Server:

Daniel Calbimonte

Daniel Calbimonte is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional, Microsoft Certified Trainer and Microsoft Certified IT Professional for SQL Server. He is an accomplished SSIS author, teacher at IT Academies and has over 10 years of experience as a QE and developer for SQL Server related software. He has worked for the government, oil companies, web sites, magazines and universities around the world. Daniel also regularly speaks at SQL Servers conferences and blogs.

MSSQLTips Awards: Author of the Year Contender – 2015-2018, 2022, 2023 | Champion (100+ tips) – 2018