The important role of a database administrator
Data is currency. Or oil. Or gold.
The phrases may change, but the message is the same. Data is an important commodity that deepens customer relationships, drives growth delivers business insight, automates processes and enhances productivity
But only if that data is reliable, accessible accurate and secure, which is why poor database administration can completely wipe out the value of your data.
Most organization have skilled IT professionals who manage desktops and servers, but not someone who possesses the specialized skills that help keep a database server operating at top efficiency.
For that, you need a database administrator. Whether it’s someone on your team or you outsource it, here are the key responsibilities for a database administrator:
Database design
The planning of a database is the responsibility of the database administrator, and they will be responsible for coming up with conceptual ideas on the management system and parameters to be integrated into the system.
Monitoring user access
A database administrator is tasked with ensuring that the data in a database management system is constant throughout its use and users can access this data. The administrator will be responsible for defining how users can access a database. The database administrator will also be tasked with ensuring front-end users can access information without encountering any problems.
Enhancing data security
A database administrator is expected to maintain the security of the database and that of the users making use of it. This task also includes making sure that the planned or designed database is compliant with the Data Protection Act. Lastly, in terms of security, the administrator is expected to develop a disaster recovery strategy that can protect the database management system in precarious security situations.
Manage storage and back-up solutions
The database administrator is responsible for ensuring the storage and archiving features meet the capacity requirements of the organization. They must also ensure that storage procedures are functioning properly and the data in these systems are correctly backed up. Database administrators design and test backup strategies to make sure backups will be effective once a need for a restore occurs.
Collaborate with stakeholders
A database administrator needs to have good interpersonal skills since they will be communicating with IT programmers, software developers and other individuals that maintain the IT infrastructures of an organization.
Monitoring and testing
Another key role of the database administrator is staying on top of the database environment and knowing when scheduled activities fail and being timely in addressing any issues. In addition, they’ll test your processes by simulating a server failure and making sure that the backup plans and recovery plans function appropriately are critical. You don’t want to be testing a recovery and restore process for the first time during an emergency.
How Wipfli can help
Our team at Wipfli specializes in helping organizations integrate data from different platforms and ensure its accurate and accessible. We create custom solutions and work with top programs, such as Qlik, Power BI and Tableau. Learn more on about all our digital services on our web services page or contact us today to get started.
