SQL*Net and ODBC
I am working with a query tool running on
an Windows NT 4.0 workstation that
uses a SQL*NET or ODBC connection to connect
to a ORACLE database I have
running on a Sun Solaris machine.
The version of Oracle is 7.3.3.3. Here
are my questions.
1) Which is the best method of connecting,
ODBC or SQL*NET. 2) Since I
haven't been able to make an ODBC connection,
what steps are necessary to
connect via this method. 3) I also
don't have SQL*NET on my machine and
would like to know where I might download
or obtain a copy of it. 4) Can an
NT client connect to Oracle on Unix via
SQL*NET. If so, what steps should be
taken and what are the related pitfalls/headaches.
Ans:
1) ODBC usually interfaces with/runs on
top off sqlnet, the other alternatives
are RDO (Remote Data Objects of Microsoft)
and Oracle Objects for Ole by Oracle,
included in every kit. Not to be used in
conjunction with Access though, Vb or
C++ only.
2) have a working sqlnet connection, including
a valid tnsnames.ora file,
assuming you try to use the Oracle ODBC
driver.
3) it used to be included in the ODBC driver
on www.oracle.com, and they seem to
have discontinued including it. In the past
the Microsoft ODBC driver came with
its own minimal sqlnet driver
4) sure no problem. There are no other pitfall
and headaches than with other
platforms: having a valid tnsnames.ora.
Hth,
Sybrand Bakker, Oracle DBA