Why Oracle over Microsoft SQL Server? * What are the differences in terminology between MS-SQL and Oracle? I also understand that SQL Server is far less flexible and robust than Oracle and I hope to know those features that I will not have in SQL Server? Answer: Oracle is the world's most popular database primarily because it runs on every platform known, from a mainframe to a Mac. MS-SQL on the other hand, is a Windows-only offering. Both SQL Server and Oracle are relational databases, but it is their genealogy that tells about their core differences: SQL Server: MS-SQL grew-up running tiny, departmental applications on personal computers. Microsoft is trying to "push up" into the mainstream market, running SQL Server on super-large servers that run Windows. Oracle: Oracle is a mature database with a decade head-start on MSSQL in terms of specialized features. While SQL Server has tried to "push up" into the Corporate database mar