[comp.databases] Wanted: Info on SQL DBMS or Frontend on MS/DOS Platform

louie@cellar.bae.bellcore.com (Paul Louie) (09/11/90)

I am a decent C programmer and implemented many commercially successful
projects using file schemes of my own.  But when it comes to any formal 
database work all I know are theories.  Recently, I got involved in a large
project that could potentially involve over 30 developers.  In that kind
of environment my traditional design style and methodology, no matter how
great they have been, wouldn't work even if I can convince everyone to give
it a shot.  I think I need to standardized the design around SQL.  The system
would eventually be running in multiple platforms (Novell Netware, UNIX
TCP/IP, and IBM mainframe using SNA protocol and Token-Ring).  For a true
distributed system, I am working on a plan to install gateway servers at
the stategic points of the network.

Anyhow, at this point I am authorized and budgeted to prototype the system.
I figured that the cheapest and easiest way is to obtain a SQL DBMS, a
compiler, or a compiler with add-on(s). Does anyone know what to recommend?
Please be specific in terms of:

	1. How "truely" SQL is the solution.
	2. Since no two products work alike how easy is it to port to
	   another system, such as DB/2, Oracle, etc.
	3. On the DOS platform, how well does it perform in a network and
	   performance in general.  Most likely this would be the first
	   environment to implement the system.

Any comments would be welcome, even if you can't answer all 3 questions.
In case anyone else would be interested, I promise to tabulate the replies
and post it in two weeks.

Thanks in advance,

My signature:  Paul Louie, an economic Lackey of Bell Communications Research.

My disclaimer: Those were MY words.  They are (C) Copyrighted by me (1990) 
  and BCR has no rights to them what-so-ever.  But, I signed an consent form
  when I started my employment.  Therefore, if they are of any value they
  belong to Bellcore.  If worthless, then they are mine.