My boss is set on using Ms SQL server with PHP. Should a hybrid like this even be considered for production?

Question

My boss once had a bad experience with mysql and refuses to consider using it again. He has an "expert" on retainer who is a SQL server professional. He has since acquired 2 LAMP companies with MySql experience. According to him none of us compare to his SQL Server guy.

I need to know if this could even work in a production environment?

Answer 1

While it is not the most common combination, there is no reason why it should not work. There are MSSQL connectors for php alright.
However I think it is a narrow minded attitude to discard a solution just because of some past bad experience (which was not neccessarily the fault of the product).

The ideal software solution for any given project should consider the existing general software environment, the area of expertise of the implementation team, the expectations or limitations of the client, licensing costs, maintenance costs... It may still be possible that MSSQL seems to be the best fit for a particular situation. But in this case it feels like your boss may have a strong bias at the very least.