asked
Why is SQL Server The Best RDBMS (or better than DB2)?
My division is attending a BI Summit in the (VERY) near future. My VP decided it would be fun to host a technology panel comparing SQL Server and DB2. We utilize both DB2 and SQL Server. I'm the SQL Server DBA, and have to come up with a 10 minute presentation about why SQL Server is great. I can even take a light-hearted jab at DB2, as I'm sure my DB2 DBA colleague will do to SQL Server. I need help giving me interesting bullet points and facts about SQL Server. A lot of the things I'm finding online seem kind of dated. Things I have so far. * Lowest Total Cost of Ownership. (lower licensing fees, lower hardware costs, bundled management software that is costly add-ons for other RDBMS's) * Integrated Security with Windows Authentication services * Tight integration with Visual Studio Development environment. * Market Momentum: According to IDC Microsoft is the fastest growing DB Vendor (not sure how old this is). Anyway, anything you guys can help with would be much appreciated.
- Low cost never gets old. - Compare how well your DB2 colleague gets on asking questions in the DB2 community with how well you get answers here. I bet you get more, better responses. Try asking this question on Twitter too, using the #sqlhelp hashtag - ease of learning from so many online resources - performance - there are TPC benchmarks where SQL Server is top - integration with other Microsoft tech (esp security) is still a big benefit if you are on a Windows domain *more* - Third party tools to help administration/automation - PowerShell - inclusion of SSRS, SSIS, SSAS, CLR, etc in single license/price - Has cloud version - SQL Azure
SQL Server community & training has to be a big thing for SQL Server (although I have no real idea of the DB2 community): Free training from industry experts: - [24 HOP][1] - [SQLSaturday][2] - [SQLBits][3] High quality paid training (again, something that is done in DB2 community too, but SQL Server offerings are brilliant IMO): - [SQL PASS Summit][4] - [SQLRally][5] - [SQLBits][6] - [SQLCruise][7] - [SQLExcursions][8] What is not to love? [1]:
http://www.sqlpass.org/24hours/Spring2011/ [2]:
http://sqlsaturday.com/ [3]: http://www.sqlbits.com-- [4]:
http://www.sqlpass.org/summit/2011/ [5]:
http://www.sqlpass.org/sqlrally/2011/nordic/ [6]:
http://www.sqlbits.com [7]:
http://sqlcruise.com/ [8]:
http://www.sqlexcursions.com
Of the real differences between the two, I think this is the really big one.
Outside of SQL Server being more widely supported and easier to get resources that can support it, as @WilliamD and @Fatherjack have noted, the SQL Server Community is unmatched. I work with several guys who used to work on DB2 and frankly it is a solid DBMS however it is aged. It works well for mainframe, but depending on your business need, find a modern .Net application that you can readily purchase online that says the back end supports DB2. Nearly every vendor codes for MSSQL or Oracle. DB2 seems to be mostly for mainframe and or some in house solution. Keep in mind my exposure to DB2 is from folks who have worked at Credit Card processors so my view is tainted. @WilliamD listed lots of SQL Community items. Check out my [blog](
http://timradney.com/2011/06/28/getting-ahead-and-getting-involved/) that contains additional information about PASS and what they offer as well.
Not being very DB2 familiar I don't know whether these suggestions are trumped by it but here are some thoughts: I would suggest mentioning the programming options available both inside and external to SQL Server from UDFs to CLR and more. If it can't be done natively doesn't mean it can't be done through SQL Server. XML support is also a relatively good point. Service Broker is sometimes under-valued but for some it is a lifesaver. Log Shipping, Mirroring, Clustering and Replication are all worthy of mention as well. Compression & Encryption are good features as well. And lastly, ones that are hard to argue, the size of the install base, the community and its support, and the wealth of high talent available to work on projects.
