Re: Need help building SQL query

> Who can I ask about large scale use of postgresql
> installations in a
> large company? What are the gotchas? Why
> would you pay for Oracle if can use postgresql
> especially if it's just
> for data warehousing and not a transactional.
>
> Sean

Sean, the largest install that i'm aware of is
sesamestreet.org. i'm not exactly sure how they use
it (together with php and apache), but they get 500k
hits/month - so it is a busy site. again, i'm not
sure if pgsql is that busy.

i think most folks use oracle b/c

1. that is what they are sold.
2. the next guy is using it.
3. the PHB(pointy haird boss)es don't know enough to
ask their IT departments to evaluate if PGSQL could do
the job.
4. some folks believe the FUD and think that if you
don't pay for it, it must not work well.

there are definitely some situations where oracle
makes more sense than PGSQL, but the evaluation with
PGSQL should take place every time. i'd venture to
guess PGSQL is never even mentioned as an alternative
in 95% of oracle installs, some of which could surely
be handled very well by PGSQL.

the word is starting to get out, though. few business
leaders want to risk their status on anything they
perceive as "new," so as other implement it with
success, the herd of management sheep will surely
follow... but it will take time.

i think Sun (or IBM???) has recently gotten involved
with PGSQL... so it may get some improved marketing.

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