Question : Oracle database (32-bit)   Vs Oracle Database (64-bit)  on Windows Operating System

We have been using Oracle database(32-bit) on Windows 32-bit OS all these years. I know there is a limitation of 1.7GB for each process in Windows 32-bit environment.

We are now planning to test the following scenario:

Windows 2003 / Windows 2008  (64-bit) Operating System
                    +
Oracle 10g Database (64-bit) standard edition


1.  Are there any huge performance gain when we move from 32-bit OS to 64-bit OS ?

2.  Are there any known advantages when we move from 32-bit database to 64-bit database ?

3.  Are there any known dis-advantages when we move from 32-bit database to 64-bit database ?

4.  When we export and import schemas from 32-bit Oracle database to a 64-bit oracle database, are
     there any limitations ?

Answer : Oracle database (32-bit)   Vs Oracle Database (64-bit)  on Windows Operating System

I moved from 32Bit to 2008R2 64Bit and I've never looked back!!!

1&2:

If for no other reason, the increase in SGA sizes.  This is even more important if you are using Automatic Memory Managment.

I really can't comment on the overall performance because I also jumped to 11GR1 at the same time.

For what it's worth:  The automatic memory management is also a lot nicer in 11g over 10g.

3: I can't think of any.

4: I'm not aware of any.