What is Database Administration?

Database administration is a vast domain that governs and maintains how data works and flows through an organization. Specialist professionals called database administrators are responsible for maintaining and managing data across the enterprise and ensuring maximum efficiency of the database management system. With a growing number of organizations migrating to the cloud, there is an increasing demand for a cloud BDA along with tier DBAs to support the system. In this article, we are going to all about What is Database Administration.

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, Microsoft SQL Server require consistent and ongoing management. This brings up a lot of career opportunities for IT professionals called DBAs or database administrators.

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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 to conduct 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, conducting root cause analysis, and taking all 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 or intrusion.

Types of Database Administration

There are a large number of DBAs that exist in the system and can be customized as per specific organizational needs. However, there are 8 broad categories that apply generally to all organizations. These are:

#1. System DBA

This is a more technical role that focuses on the technical aspect of the database. A system DBA is proficient in handling queries related to implementation, installation, tuning, and settling, and storage-related issues.

#2. Database architect

The DBA that focuses more on the design and implementation aspect of the database is a database architect.

#3. Database analyst

Database analyst is commonly used for junior professionals of the database. Also, many companies prefer calling a database architect a database analyst.

#4. Application DBA

Application DBAs are the troubleshooters of the current database. They are proficient in handling all the queries relating to SQL bugs etc.

#5. Task-oriented DBAs

Task-oriented refers to specializing in a particular domain, these DBAs are more skilled in a given domain and are experts of it.

#6. Performance analysts

The database administrator who focuses on monitoring the performance and improving it by taking desired measures is a performance analyst. This role can also be covered under task-oriented DBAs also. The most important skill these DBAs possess is exceptional SQL coding.

#7. Data warehouse administrator

Though this DBA is well-equipped with the desired skills and knowledge base, he or she is more capable of handling the warehouse queries.

#8. Cloud DBA

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

Read these latest SQL Server DBA Interview Questions that helps you grab high-paying jobs!

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

To become a DBA, having a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information science from an accredited university is a plus point. Having hands-on industry experience with on-job training on a database product will give you extra credits and support. However, if you have relevant and extensive industry experience, having a bachelor’s degree will no longer be a mandate. You are expected to have experience across leading DBMS products like:

• IBM DB2

• Oracle

• Microsoft SQL server

• MongoDB

• PostgreSQL

• MySQL

And possess knowledge across technologies like:

• SAP

• Linux

• z/OS

Career & Job opportunities of Database Administrators 

Database administration is a highly rewarding role that is wanted by a majority of organizations. Several roles can be taken up like

• computer and information systems managers

• computer programmers

• computer network architects

• financial analysts

• computer system analysts

• market research analysts

• computer support specialists

Related Article: IBM DB2 Interview Questions

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, exposure, value addition, etc.

Database Administrator Courses available in Mindmajix

Mindmajix is your one-stop destination for learning all database administrator courses. Our courses include:

1.  Oracle GoldenGate training

2. Oracle Exadata training

3. Oracle performance tuning training

4. Oracle Apps DBA training

5. Oracle RAC training

6. IBM Netezza DBA training

7. IBM Informix training

8. Oracle DBA training

9. SQL Server DBA training

10. IBM DB2 training

11. PostgreSQL training

12. Oracle DBA training

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. Taking up a database administrator course can direct you towards a bright future. To know more about DBA courses, write in the comments section below.