Difference between Oracle 10g and Oracle 9i Databases

Oracle Database 10g is the first database designed for grid computing, the most flexible and cost-effective way to manage enterprise information. It cuts costs of management while providing the highest possible quality of service.

In addition to providing numerous quality and performance enhancements, Oracle Database 10g significantly reduces the costs of managing the IT environment, with a simplified install, greatly reduced configuration and management requirements, and automatic performance diagnosis and SQL tuning.

Oracle 9i Database provides efficient, reliable, secure data management for high-end applications such as high-volume on-line transaction processing (OLTP) environments, query-intensive data warehouses, and demanding Internet applications. Oracle also offers several additional optional database products that enhance the capabilities of Oracle9i Database for specific application requirements.

Additional features in 10g over the 9i:

Transparent Data Encryption

Grid computing - an extension of the clustering feature (Real Application Clusters)

Manageability improvements (self-tuning features)

Performance and scalability improvements

Automated Storage Management (ASM)

Automatic Workload Repository (AWR)

Automatic Database Diagnostic Monitor (ADDM)

Flashback operations available on row, transaction, table or database level

Ability to UNDROP a table from a recycle bin

Ability to rename table spaces

Ability to transport table spaces across machine types (E.g Windows to Unix)

Proactive Performance Monitoring

Improved Flashback Technology

Automatic Storage Management (ASM) and hence better RAC

Data Pumps

The Enterprise Manager (EM)

Clearly Oracle 10g is a positive change over its predecessor and therefore the OCA 10g Certification will draw more demand than Oracle 9i.

All about Database Certifications

A collection of grouped information organized in such a way that a simple computer program can select the desired data according to the requirement, in IT terminology it is called database. It is an application that manages the data & allows fast storage & retrieval of data. There are different types of databases, but the most popular among all is relational database. It stores data in tables where each row holds the same sort of information. Relational databases are currently the predominant choice in storing financial records, manufacturing and logistical information, personnel data and much more. Oracle and SQL Server are popular commercial relational databases.

A database management system (DBMS) is software that has been created to allow the efficient use and management of databases, including ensuring that data is consistent and correct and facilitating it’s updating. For small, single user databases, all functions are often managed by a single program; for larger and multi-user databases, multiple programs are usually involved and client-server architecture is generally employed. Software database drivers are available for most database platforms so that application software can use a common Application Programming Interface (API) to retrieve the information stored in a database. Two commonly used database APIs are JDBC and ODBC.

Why every small, large multinational company need database administrator?

If you are a database administrator professional and you need to improve your skills or want to upgrade your resume, then you should go for certification in database administration. Perhaps you had just started your career in database administration & you like to make a mark in your field. Thereare various database administration certification provided by some popular database vendors.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) - It’s a certification designed for professional who implement, design & administer SQL databases. It’s appropriate for those individual who handles all the database related work starting from creating the database till managing the database. The job roles for Microsoft certified database administrator professionals include: database administrator, analyst, & developers. MCDBA is a part of previous MCP certifications.

Oracle

Oracle has introduced a wide range of certification programs for entry level to experienced professionals and for domains ranging from database administration, database management to programming, web development and other advanced technologies. For Database Administration related certifications are discussed in two parts.

Entry Level
Oracle’s OCA DBA 9i & 10g - They are designed to certify foundation skills in an individual for database administration. If you want to go OCP 9i or 10g exams, then you should be an OCA DBA 9i or 10g. There are no prerequisites for OCA DBA 9i & 10g certification; it would be helpful if you have experience working with SQL and Oracle database or other databases. OCA 9i & 10g certified professionals find appropriate job easily & get paid more.

Professional Level
Oracle’s OCP DBA 9i - OCP status prove that you have achieved a high level of oracle database design & implementation skills. As an OCP certified professional, your employers & customers will be confident in your knowledge, skills to design, develop & implement solutions. The prerequisite for OCP DBA 9i certification is the OCA certification. You have to take two tests to achieve this certification.

Oracle’s OCP DBA 10g - It requires skills that include implementing & managing complex Oracle Database 10g functions, recovering and tuning the database using advanced tools and technologies. The OCP DBA 10g is an advanced certification targeted towards DBAs having full experience on Oracle databases. The prerequisite for OCP DBA 10g certification is the OCA 10g certification. The OCP certification is highly demanded. Employers prefer professionals holding the OCP DBA 10g certification, as they can be sure that he has a solid foundation of skills needed for effective performance in the workplace.

How to prepare for IT Certification exams

Generally speaking, what are the best resources to use when studying for your certification exams? This quick guide to study will help you organize your thoughts and decide what resources to use when preparing. We have considered various factors including your budgetary constraints as well as the amount of time you can devote towards training for IT Certifications.

Case I: You are quite comfortable with the technology in question and you have some finances to spare

Being comfortable with the technology you do not require hand holding class room sessions. You can do really well with online training such as that provided by Hyperlessons.com. This not only has authorized courseware but also provides expert chat sessions to clarify your doubts, virtual labs for hands-on practice as well as practice tests from Brainbench. To get more exam tips from other fellow learners you can supplement your learning by frequenting forums such as Microsoft, Cisco, Sun, Oracle, ProProfs. Top this up with authorized practice tests from MeasureUp (authorized by Microsoft) and you are on strong footing. If online learning is not your cup of tea, go in for O’Reilly and Amazon to purchase books on IT Certifications. Books are relatively cheap and some are specifically geared towards examination preparation. One piece of advice here would be to use authorized courses as these are updated constantly and with these you can never go wrong.

Case II: You are NOT comfortable with the technology

Here the recommendation would be combine some online learning with instructor led classes such as those from NIIT. For students outside India there are other instructor led training options available. Also, there are options such as video lectures offered by players such as Testout. This combination ensures clarity in concepts and helps you succeed with certainty. All supplements help – for example, knowledge gained through forums, mock tests etc.
After learning online or from books depending on your preference it is advisable to keep abreast of exam changes by visiting popular forums for certification preparation, maintained by top experts & certified people, Hyperlessons, Microsoft, Cisco, Sun, Oracle, ProProfs. There are some general forums also like Cert Guard. Several sites offer chat rooms geared towards helping students with their certifications. Visit these chat rooms, Microsoft chat rooms, Hyperlessons, Cisco and Test Out.
Supplement these with authorized mock tests and you are prepared to take on the certification exams!
It is always important to keep abreast with general knowledge on IT Certifications. You can have these on general certification forums where experts and fellow learners share their knowledge on certifications. Handy links to some common ones are here - Cert Cities, ProProfs

Following the steps above with concentration and honesty will ensure that you do well on the D-Day. A general advice – never reply on brain dumps. First and most important, it does not lead to actual skill development and second you can be deceived (more often than not) when questions you have mugged up do not appear.