Using Informix, yes that requires many DBA support, and upgrade it will be the easiest way (only less trouble on triggers, store procedures, and any additional processes....). But most of the dB's need DBA support. It dependents upon what type of the intensity of the data volume you are dealing with. Plus, the server you are running with your database. Oracle is expensive but maybe fit with your current scale easily. If price is not the concern, go for Oracle dB. The question with MS SQL, do you thing they have lower rate on server crushes??? MS tend to leave many holes in their design, and MS has add their design to SQL server for a while. The new dB user interfaces make all of the dB's easier to manage. My choice 1 is upgrade Informix, next is Oracle, and you name the third.