hi Nir,
thanks for the reply - sorry i didn't mention - i checked the connectivity with the following :

C:\Documents and Settings\121570>tnsping uii.world

TNS Ping Utility for 32-bit Windows: Version 9.2.0.1.0 - Production on 21-SEP-20
04 13:07:50

Copyright (c) 1997 Oracle Corporation. All rights reserved.

Used parameter files:
C:\ORANT\network\admin\sqlnet.ora


Used TNSNAMES adapter to resolve the alias
Attempting to contact (DESCRIPTION = (ADDRESS_LIST = (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)
(HOST = 172.18.34.133)(PORT = 1521))) (CONNECT_DATA = (SID = UII) (SERVER = DEDI
CATED)))
OK (60 msec)

it seems to be fine.

thanks and regards,
Prasenjit