have a look at: http://fritshoogland.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/oracle-security-done-right.pdf this paper show a simple way to make a distinction between 'normal' users (no access), users who are allowed to use sqlplus etc, users who are granted dba (but only dba, not patching executables etc.), and oracle/owner rights. frits On Mar 3, 2010, at 7:50 PM, SHEEHAN, JEREMY wrote: > Hey all, > > I've got an issue trying to get a user to source (and use) sqlplus from an > oracle database environment. We're not allowed to use sticky bits. We're > not allowed to add the user to the dba group. We're not allowed to use any > sudo commands. > > I'm running 10.2.0.4 in AIX 5.3.7. Any suggestions? > > Thanks in advance! > > Jeremy >