Database administrator

A database administrator (short form DBA) is a person responsible for the installation, configuration, upgrade, administration, monitoring and maintenance of physical^{[clarification needed]} 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]

Skills

Technical Skills

^[3]

• 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 2008, Solaris, Linux, AIX, etc.
• Knowledge about the RDBMS itself e.g. Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, etc.

General Skills

^[4]

• 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

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]

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

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

References