If it wasn't for perf tuning I wouldn't have a job. All of our application support and db support has been outsourced. I've always been considered part of the business side so I keep my job but I don't do any pure db work anymore. It's all about the code, scalability and tracking down issues. I think I've had one pure db problem in twelve year, 99% of problems come down to what an app is doing, but 99% of people usually can't figure where that problem is. -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l