Database administrator
A database administrator (short form DBA) is a person responsible for the installation, configuration, upgrade, administration, monitoring and maintenance of physical databases.[1]
The role includes the development and design of database strategies, monitoring and improving database performance and capacity, and planning for future expansion requirements. They may also plan, co-ordinate and implement security measures to safeguard the database.[2]
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[edit] Skills
[edit] Technical Skills
- Knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL)
- Some database design
- General understanding of distributed computing architectures (for example, Client/Server, Internet/Intranet, Enterprise)
- A good understanding of the underlying operating system e.g. Windows Server 2003, Solaris, etc.
- Knowledge about the RDBMS itself e.g. Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, etc.
[edit] General Skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong logical and analytical thinker
- Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail
- Ability to think broadly and consider impacts across systems and within the organization
- Good team player
[edit] Certification
Employing organizations may require that a database administrator have a certification for the particular RDBMS being used.[2]
Examples are Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional[5] and MCITP Database Administrator 2008.[6]
[edit] Duties
A database administrator's responsibilities can include the following tasks:[7]
- Installing and upgrading the database server and application tools
- Allocating system storage and planning future storage requirements for the database system
- Creating primary database storage structures (tablespaces) after application developers have designed an application
- Creating primary objects (tables, views, indexes) once application developers have designed an application
- Modifying the database structure, as necessary, from information given by application developers
- Enrolling users and maintaining system security
- Ensuring compliance with database vendor license agreement
- Controlling and monitoring user access to the database
- Monitoring and optimizing the performance of the database
- Planning for backup and recovery of database information
- Maintaining archived data on tape
- Backing up and restoring the database
- Contacting database vendor for technical support
[edit] Job Titles
DBA's are also known by the titles Database Coordinator or Database Programmer.[2]
The role is closely related to the other jobs of Database Analyst, Database Modeller, Programmer Analyst, and Systems Manager.[2]
Some organizations have a hierarchical level of database administrators, generally:[citation needed]
- Data Analysts/Query designers
- Junior DBAs
- Midlevel DBAs
- Senior DBAs
- DBA consultants
- Manager/Director of Database Administration/Information Technology
[edit] References
- ^ "Database Administration". SFIAPlus. British Computer Society. http://scripts.bcs.org/sfiaplus/sfia-skills.htm#dbad. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
- ^ a b c d "Database Administrator". ICT Careers Portal. Australian Computer Society. http://www.acs.org.au/ictcareers/index.cfm?action=show&conID=200707200948211895. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
- ^ Spenik, Mark; Sledge, Orryn (2001-03-20). "What is a Database Administrator? (DBA)". Developer.com. http://www.developer.com/db/article.php/718491/What-Is-a-Database-Administrator.htm. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
- ^ "Database Administrator? (DBA)". Prakken Publications. http://web.ebscohost.com.libdb.njit.edu:8888/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?hid=18&sid=f27a4a19-254b-4fb6-a469-768d14d1fc81%40sessionmgr10&vid=4.
- ^ Oracle Certification Program. Oracle Corporation. Retrieved 18 June, 2011.
- ^ Microsoft SQL Server Certification. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
- ^ Oracle DBA Responsibilities. Oracle Corporation. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
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