Thanks to advancements in technology, there are so many career options for people to choose from. One of the most lucrative ones is that of becoming a database administrator better known as a DBA. The beauty of this career is that it is bound to grow and it has not shown signs of slowing down any time soon. However, if you are considering this career option, it is imperative that you take some time to understand what exactly a DBA does.
Back-ups and updates
One of the main roles of a DBA is to create backups of the database and to update it regularly. Backups are important since they help with the speedy restoration of a network in case something bad happens. For example, if the system crushes, the most recent backup can be used to restore it. The backup is stored in an independent storage media. The DBA plans for backups and updates. He ensures that there is compliance with the database vendor license agreement and the regulators. Regular updates help fix bugs in the system and add new functionality in the database.
Extra responsibility
In addition to the management of the database, the DBA can be given extra responsibilities like supervising the technical support staff, helping with budgeting, strategic planning, information policy as well as training employees. All this can still be done with remote DBA expert. It all depends on the contract. The DBA can also work with the IT analysts, project managers, and programmers on a daily basis and in project implementation.
Rollout
When you want to rollout a new database, the DBA expert will come in handy. He will help you determine what the new database can be used for, who can use it as well as the systems that will be linked to it. The DBA will further help plan the structure of the database and be responsible for finding, organizing and display of data. You should also note that the DBA will test your new database to make sure that it doesn’t have any technical issue that can lead to problems. Simply put, the DBA helps with the assessment of the new DB, filling/population of the database, and data transfer.
Network Monitoring
Another crucial role played by the database administrator is the role of network monitoring. The DBA monitors the entire network and reports errors to the management. He uses sets of proprietary scripts to automate database reporting, pre-outage alerts and capacity planning.
Technical support
Even with the most advanced database in place, you will at one point in time have performance issues. One of the main responsibilities of a DBA is to offer technical support.
These are just some of the things you will have to do once you become a DBA expert. The best thing about this career is that you keep learning new things every now and then and also you get to work in an ever growing industry. There are so many companies that need onsite or remote DBAs. All you need to do is to be the best DBA you can be.