What is Database Administration?
Database administration refers to the set of activities that are performed by a database
administrator ensuring a 24*7 availability of databases to be used as and when required. The
primary database administration is to maintain and manage the database management
system software. Mainstream databases like Oracle, IBM DB2 and Microsoft SQL
Server require consistent and ongoing management. This brings up a lot of career
opportunities for IT professionals called DBAs or database administrators.
What is a database administrator (DBA)?
A database administrator, or DBA, is responsible for maintaining, securing, and operating
databases and also ensures that data is correctly stored and retrieved.
In addition, DBAs often work with developers to design and implement new features and
troubleshoot any issues. A DBA must have a strong understanding of both technical and
business needs.
The role of DBA is becoming increasingly important in today’s information-driven business
environment. Throughout the world, more and more organizations depend on data to
discover analytical insights on market conditions and new business models. The global cloud
computing market is also expected to expand as companies move their business operations
to the cloud. Consequently, the need for qualified DBAs will only continue to grow.
The specific responsibilities of a database administrator vary depending on the size and
needs of the organization they work for. However, most DBA duties will include developing
and maintaining databases, ensuring data security, tuning performance, backing up data,
and providing training and support to users. DBAs may also be responsible for designing
databases and overseeing their construction in larger organizations.
Different types of DBAs
There are several types of database administrators, each with specific duties and
responsibilities. The most common types of DBAs include system administrators, database
architects, database analysts, data modelers, application DBAs, task-oriented DBAs,
performance analysts, data warehouse administrators, and cloud DBAs.
System administrators are responsible for the overall management and upkeep of
a computer system, including installing and configuring software and monitoring
system performance. A system DBA is proficient in handling queries related to
implementation, installation, tuning, and settling, and storage-related issues. This
is a more technical role that focuses on the technical aspect of the database.
Database architects design databases to meet the specific needs of an organization.
The DBA that focuses more on the design and implementation aspect of the database
is a database architect.
Database analysts collect and analyze data to help improve database performance.
They may also be responsible for developing reports and providing
recommendations to database administrators. Database analyst is commonly used
for junior professionals of the database. Also, many companies prefer calling a
database architect a database analyst.
Data modelers create and maintain data models that depict the relationship between
data elements. Data modeling is a critical component of effective database design.
Application DBAs are responsible for administrating databases that support
applications. Specific tasks include installing and configuring applications, ensuring that
data is synchronized correctly between databases, and troubleshooting application-
related issues.
Task-oriented DBAs focus on a particular area of database administration, such as
backup and recovery, security, or performance tuning. They typically have in-depth
knowledge of a specific database management system (DBMS). Task-oriented refers to
specializing in a particular domain, these DBAs are more skilled in a given domain and are
experts of it.
Performance analysts monitor database performance and identify areas where
improvement is needed. They may also be responsible for creating performance reports
and providing recommendations to database administrators.
Data warehouse administrators manage databases that store data for business
intelligence or decision-support applications. They are responsible for extracting data
correctly, transforming the data, and loading it into the data warehouse.
Though this DBA is well-equipped with the desired skills he or she is more capable of
handling the warehouse queries.
Cloud DBAs are responsible for administrating databases hosted in a cloud computing
environment, provisioning and managing database instances, setting up replication and
high availability, and monitoring database performance.
A cloud DBA has grown popular with the increasing number of people migrating to
the cloud. He or she is a general-purpose DBA with knowledge of cloud services.
How has the role of a DBA evolved with cloud computing?
The role of a database administrator has evolved significantly with the advent of cloud
computing. Rather than being responsible for managing on-premises hardware and software,
DBAs now need to be able to work with cloud-based platforms. This requires a different set
of skills and knowledge and a different approach to work.
DBAs need to be able to work with different types of databases, such as MySQL, MongoDB,
and Cassandra. They also need to be familiar with cloud-based tools and platforms, such as
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.
One of the most significant changes is that DBAs are no longer responsible for managing the
underlying infrastructure. With cloud computing, this is all managed by the provider. As
a result, DBAs now perform more strategic tasks, such as data analytics, user experience
design, and cybersecurity. DBAs often work directly with users and business leaders to
develop new ways to use data and software to automate processes, reduce costs, and stay
competitive.
This requires a new set of skills from DBAs. In the past, having strong technical skills was
the most important requirement. There is less need for these skills with cloud computing.
Instead, DBAs need to communicate and collaborate with users to understand their needs and
business environment. They also need to work with other teams, to help deliver software that
will solve business problems.
Overall, the traditional role of a DBA is changing significantly thanks to cloud computing.
DBAs need to be able to adapt to these changes to be successful in their roles.
Roles of Database Administrator in DBMS
The roles of a database administrator is quite a crucial one. From managing and maintaining
databases to ensuring zero data loss, there are several roles that a database administrator
fulfills. Some of the primary roles include:
1. Designing, implementing, and maintaining
The first and foremost role that a database administrator plays in designing, implementing,
and side-by-side maintaining the complete database to fit the needs of the organization.
This role includes setting up compatible IT infrastructure for the upcoming database and
related applications, installing the database management system, etc.
2. Policy establishing role
Establishing procedures and policies is quite crucial to ensuring an efficient database
management system. The majority of policies must be established keeping in mind security,
management, maintenance, and other important aspects of DBMS.
3. Training and development
The database administrator or the DBA group is also responsible for conducting enterprise-
wide training and development sessions on the newly designed database. The purpose is to
introduce and instruct employees on how to use the new infrastructure.
4. Conflict resolution
Since a database administrator knows about the database in and out, it becomes his or her
responsibility to resolve any conflicts that may arise out of any situation with users. This role
includes troubleshooting and any measures to ensure maximum optimization of the available
resources to bring about the highest performance and efficiency.
5. Database backup
Another important role of a database administrator is to ensure that the data is always backed
up and allows fast recovery of data in case a failure happens. Also, it is the prime
responsibility of a database administrator to secure and protect the data from any failures.
Database Administrator Responsibilities
Some of the major responsibilities of a database administrator are:
1. Creating and administering databases by identifying user needs
2. Ensuring efficient, effective, and error-free operation of the database
3. Consistently testing the database for adding any new modifications that may be required
as per user needs
4. Regular maintenance of database and permissions related to updating
5. Consolidating multiple databases into a refreshed and larger one
6. Ensure data restoration and 24*7 back up to avoid any data loss
Skills required to become Database Administrator
IBM DB2
Oracle
Microsoft SQL server
MongoDB
PostgreSQL
MySQL
Database Administrator Salary
Since a database administrator is a highly rewarding role, the same is reflected in their
salary package as well. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual
wage of DBAs is approximately 90,070 dollars. The upper and lower limits of the salary
can range from 50,340 dollars to 138,320 dollars. The difference lies in several factors
like education, experience, skillset, value addition, etc.
Conclusion
Being a database administrator is of very high value to the organization. Since data is
the king, it needs to be managed and maintained.
