Database administration is the process of maintaining a database management system. Common examples of a database management system include DB2, Oracle and Sybase, all of which require regular maintenance by a database manager.

Database administration services are a highly specialized skill needed by virtually any business with a computerized information system capability. It is therefore one of the most common information system services required by a client.

Three general types of database administrator services exist. They are:

1. Application database manager, which maintains the components of third-party database application software and keeps them optimized for the database;
2. Development database administration service, which is most often concerned with the maintenance of the logical aspects of the database such as the data model, stored procedures and SQL code;
3. Systems database administration service, which is most interested in the physical aspect of database administration, which includes installation, configuration and maintenance of the database management system itself.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make sense out your business data with the right database design

Businesses frequently have a large amount of data but have difficulty in using it to generate meaningful reports. Database manager services will use your business requirements to create a database that will address your business needs.

I recommend: Find a database-consulting firm with experience in your specific database. The Integrated Solution Group has extensive long-term experience with several databases, especially MSSQL. Edgewood Solutions offers SQL server database administration.

Get the correct level of database manager services for your business

A DBA service should be able to provide a wide range of support from a full-time staff to a single DBA that comes on site one day per week.

I recommend: Find a company such as DTA with experience in part-time database support for small businesses. A DBA service provider should understand that most small business do not require full-time support to maintain their databases.

Cut costs with remote DBA services

Database Administration from a remote centralized site is becoming a more common means of performing this essential function. Typically, the database is monitored with software that alerts the DBA at the remote site in the event of a problem.

I recommend: Seek remote DBA services such as those offered by Database Specialists, Inc. or Remote DBA Experts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many businesses that claim to provide remote DBA services just provide database monitoring. Ensure that your remote DBA service provider actually will perform maintenance to solve a problem when it is reported by the database management software.
• •  Find out what the maximum response time will be when a DBA is not on site, especially if your database is a critical application. Many businesses lose money for every minute that their database is down.