Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
We're going to keep our discussion of administrator responsibilities to a very
general level. We'll focus on the types of things that each role needs to do, not
worry about the specifics of how each is done. Even though the responsibilities
are somewhat common across different DBMS platforms, the tools provided by
the different DBMS products to meet the responsibilities can vary widely.
9.2.1 Understanding Data Administration Responsibilities
As information systems are used in all aspects of a company's business, data
administrators find themselves playing key roles in the corporate environment.
Those who understand the data a company possesses and how it flows are in
the best position to understand how the company really functions. These data
flows include data moving from department to department within the company,
as well as between the company and its customers, suppliers, and other exter-
nal entities. This is why data administrators often come from the ranks of sys-
tems analysts, but with additional training to understand requirements specific
to relational databases.
But, what exactly, do data administrators do? To say that they manage data
is far too simple of an explanation for our purposes. Instead, we need to take a
look at what we mean by that blanket term
managing data.
At the same time,
you will begin to see why the data and database administrator roles are often
filled by the same person or persons because of overlapping responsibilities.
Managing Data Coordination
With data playing so prominent a role in the corporate environment, its accu-
racy is of the utmost importance. In the centralized/decentralized environment
of most businesses, data and copies of data can be scattered among mainframe
computers, local area network servers, and PCs. The more fragmented the data
and storage methods, the higher the possibility of inconsistency and error. There
are few things more annoying than two people making important presentations
in a meeting and showing different figures that should be the same. It is up to
the data administrators to keep track of the organization's data. This includes
download schedules, update schedules and responsibilities, and data interchange
with other companies. This is not to suggest that data administration should try
to control all of the databases on all of the employees' PCs. That would be impos-
sible. However, in attempts to avoid total data anarchy, data coordination
becomes the job of the data administrators, which means that they maintain a
reasonable amount of control over the company's data.
Managing Data Planning
Data planning
refers to identifying data requirements, analyzing available data,
and designing ways of meeting data needs. Data planning begins with deter-
mining what data will be needed for future company business efforts and the
