In "9i" being 9i database RELEASE 2, with a ** recent ** patch, yes, it works : example, plus 9i inside a 9i home with client 9.2.0.8 installed :

C:\Documents and Settings\jlchiappa>tnsping dwpan

TNS Ping Utility for 32-bit Windows: Version 9.2.0.8.0 - Production on 31-JAN-2008 11:30:09

Copyright (c) 1997, 2006, Oracle Corporation. All rights reserved.

Used parameter files:
C:\O9IR2\network\admin\sqlnet.ora

Used TNSNAMES adapter to resolve the alias
Attempting to contact (DESCRIPTION = (ADDRESS_LIST = (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = xyz.1.2.3)(PORT = 1521))) (CONNECT_DATA =
(SID = PROD)))
OK (0 msec)

C:\Documents and Settings\jlchiappa>


connecting with this sqlplus :



SQL*Plus: Release 9.2.0.8.0 - Production on Qui Jan 31 11:25:35 2008

Copyright (c) 1982, 2002, Oracle Corporation. All rights reserved.


Conected :
Oracle Database 10g Enterprise Edition Release 10.2.0.3.0 - Production
With the Partitioning, OLAP and Data Mining options

jlchiappa:SQL>