A database administrator (short form DBA) is a person responsible for the installation, configuration, upgrade, administration, monitoring and maintenance of databases in an organization.[1]
The role includes the development and design of database strategies, system 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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Skills [edit]
List of skills required to become database administrators are:[3] [4] [5]
- Communication skills
- Knowledge of database theory
- Knowledge of database design
- Knowledge about the RDBMS itself, e.g. Oracle Database, IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, Adaptive Server Enterprise, MaxDB, PostgreSQL
- Knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL) and procedural extension language, e.g. PL/SQL, SQL/PSM, Transact-SQL
- General understanding of distributed computing architectures, e.g. Client/Server, Internet/Intranet, Enterprise
- General understanding of the underlying operating system, e.g. Windows, Unix, Linux
- General understanding of storage technologies, memory management, disk arrays, NAS/SAN, networking
Certification [edit]
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[6] and MCITP Database Administrator 2008.[7]
Duties [edit]
A database administrator's responsibilities can include the following tasks:[8]
- Installing and upgrading the database server and application tools
- Allocating system storage and planning future storage requirements for the database system
- 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
- Backing up and restoring databases
- Contacting database vendor for technical support
- Generating various reports by querying from database as per need.
- Game server hosting, administration of games, using a database.
Job titles [edit]
DBAs are also known by the titles Database Coordinator or Database Programmer, although a database programmer requires more advanced skills in SQL programming than a DBA may have, and a Database Programmer may not have and does not require the skills of database administration, backing up, restoring, monitoring or tuning to do their job well.[2]
The role is closely related to the other jobs of Database Analyst, Database Modeller, Programmer Analyst, and Systems Manager.[2]
Some organizations[clarification needed] have a hierarchical level of database administrators, generally:[9]
- Data Analysts/Query designers
- Junior DBAs
- Midlevel DBAs
- Senior DBAs
- DBA consultants
- Manager/Director of Database Administration/Information Technology
References [edit]
- ^ "Database Administration". SFIAPlus. British Computer Society. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
- ^ a b c d "Database Administrator". ICT Careers Portal. Australian Computer Society. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
- ^ Spenik, Mark; Sledge, Orryn (2001-03-20). "What is a Database Administrator? (DBA)". Developer.com. Archived from the original on 2011-06-13. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
- ^ http://www.dba-oracle.com/oracle_tips_dba_job_skills.htm
- ^ http://www.orafaq.com/wiki/Roles_and_Responsibilities
- ^ "Oracle Certification Program". Oracle Corporation. Retrieved 2011-06-18.
- ^ "Microsoft SQL Server Certification". Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
- ^ "Oracle DBA Responsibilities". Oracle Corporation. Retrieved 2012-02-06.
- ^ "Database Administrator Job Description". Retrieved 2012-11-14.
- ^ How To Become a SQL Server DBA - http://www.sqldbaguru.com/entries/general/how-to-become-a-professional-sql-server-dba
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