> My existing app uses lots of SQL that query 2 or more seperate databases. I
> have just read that this can;t be done in postgreSQL. Is this true?
Yes. IIRC, Postgres only validates access on connection. With psql you can
switch between databases, but I don't know if that feature is available
through other means such as PHP or DBI.
> If so, are there any obvious work-arounds? Or must I simply combine all my
> databases into one? I really don't want to do that!
Your best bet would probably be multiple connections. As you can see, there
would be no way to combine results from different connections/databases
except in the application, and you would not be able to do cross-database
joins, so you would have to alter your application logic
> If this limitation exists, can anybody recomend another database that
> doesn't cost a fortune but has similar strength-of-features to
> MS-SQL/postgreSQL?
Although I am an open-source advocate, I am also a businessman, and although
you could get Postgres to do what you need relatively efficiently, sometimes
the time needed to implement workarounds makes Postgres simply not cost
effective. When I can't fall back on open source, I fall back to the
underdogs with good products. One I can recommend is FrontBase
(http://www.frontbase.com). For about $1k you get 100% SQL92 compliance,
replication, live backup, and no per-seat or any other additional costs.
<DISCLAIMER>I have no relationship with the company and no extensive
production experience with the DB system. I cannot vouch for the stability,
security, or ability to service customers. My recommendation is based on
research and testing only.</DISCLAIMER>
Keary Suska
Esoteritech, Inc.
"Leveraging Open Source for a better Internet"
> From: "Adam Fisher" <black@cia.com.au>
> Organization: Hub.Org Networking Services (http://www.hub.org)
> Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2001 17:06:35 +1000
> To: pgsql-general@postgresql.org
> Subject: [GENERAL] query multiple databases