As for SQL Server running only on a Microsoft platform, I can understand it. It is much easier for MS to maintain SQL Server. But, you have to use a MS platform. Now with Oracle, it can get a version that will run on different platforms, basically either a MS-Windows platform or a UNIX/Linux platform. It would be nice to have SQL Server on Linux but I don't see that happening. SQL Server development is how I make my money. Automatic updates are how I could lose (more of) my hair. Hopefully MS will keep their Server systems away from the Windows 8 update process.