No. This is where SQLServer has it right an Oracle does not.

Take for example, LastName. In the case of my neighbor Randy, I don't know his last name. Therefore, a value of NULL signifies that fact; an unknown value. On the other hand, Cher doesn't have a last name. An empty string would convey that fact; no data exists. However, the fact that Oracle converts an empty string to a NULL perverts the meaning of NULL at worst, or eliminates the ability to specify a value that is known to not exist at best.

Basically, there is definitely a difference between NULL and empty, or a value that is not known vs. one that is known to not exist. I completely agree that these values should be treated differently, but they are not. And as I said before, I don't know of any way to change this functionality.

- Chris