The role of a database consultant is to provide expertise and technical skill to help business make the best use of their IT structure. When looking for a db consultant, it is critical to complete a thorough review of your business requirements and existing technologies. Read the statement of work carefully to ensure a clear understanding of the work to be done and the qualifications of the consultant assigned.

Project management techniques are instrumental in achieving best value for dollar when working with outside consultants. A clearly defined project scope and timeline provides a great structure when working with a database consultant.

1. Define your database consultant requirements.

2. Create a database consultant provider list.

3. Hire and manage a database consultant.

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

Create the database consultant project scope

Schedule a meeting with your IT staff and the department that requires the database. Define your exact requirements and document as much information about the current database as possible. Include software name, version, platform and usage. Take the time to document your internal business process and what you expect the database consultant to do.

I recommend: Meet with all stakeholders in the firm and make sure that the specifications are clear, correct and accepted by everyone. By meeting with the engagement manager from consulting firms like Open Sky Software and Virtual DBA, you can get database consultant information.

Find a database consultant provider

Consult with colleagues to find database consultant firms that might meet your needs. Keep in mind the specific requirements that you have. Database consultants specialize in different technologies. Obtain several quotes from consulting firms to compare prices and qualifications of the proposed consultants. Rates vary widely.

I recommend: Get a database consultant list by contacting well known, reputable consulting firms that specialize in databases. My Programmer is a great resource for a wide range of database platforms. TUSC specializes in larger, enterprise applications.

Manage your database consultant

Get the best value for dollar from your database consultant by implementing a project management software solution. All IT consultants are used to managing their time and effort through project management principles. A software package provides insight into the status of the project and the location of bottlenecks with minimal effort from management.

I recommend: Download a demonstration version of At Task project management software, request their onsite database consultants come to you, or take advantage of phone and online consulting. For a more complex project requiring a db consultant, look to Art & Logic. This firm specializes in efficiency and project quality software for major projects.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Assign a dedicated staff member to work with the database consultant. This person should be a member of the IT department and knowledgeable about the current database structure and able to connect with other resources as needed.