OVERVIEW OF ADMINISTRATION FUNCTIONS - Database Design and Development: An Essential Guide for IT Professionals - page 418

group took on the additional responsibility of administration of the database
system. The need for special training and knowledge became more and more
evident. Organizations began to train technical analysts and project leaders already
in database projects. These professionals were given training in the particular
DBMS and allocated additional responsibilities to carry out administration func-
tions. As DBMSs and databases moved toward greater sophistication, the need for
specialists with sole administration responsibilities became evident. Now most orga-
nizations with database systems have DBAs set apart for a distinct role. In many
companies, the administration functions are split between data administration and
database administration. Let us explore these administration functions further and
cover wider ground.
Essential Need for Administration
You now have a broad idea of how the role of DBA emerged and why it is
necessary in a database environment. You understand that the database environ-
ment is more complex and more sophisticated than earlier file-oriented data systems
and therefore needs someone or some group, properly trained, to manage and
administer it. Given the intricacies of modern DBMSs, you appreciate why special
training and knowledge have become necessary to understand these software
systems.
Let us get more specific and list the reasons why a specialized administration
function is absolutely essential in a database environment. Reviewing these reasons
will enable you to understand how the administration function continues through-
out the life cycle of a database system. You will gain insight into the types of skills
and training needed to strengthen data and database administration specialists for
carrying out their responsibilities.
In Chapter 2, we presented the components of the database environment in
Figure 2-2. We will use that figure to place the administration function in the data-
base environment and to observe how and where an administrator fits in. Figure
14-1 illustrates the role and place of administration in the database environment.
Carefully note the various components of the database environment and notice how
administration fits in and interacts with these components.
Now let us move on to the list of major reasons for the essential need to have a
distinct administration role in the database environment.
Centralized Coordination Note the change in an organization with a database
system. The database system promotes information sharing; it shares information
with many departments and users. Pieces of corporate data are no longer owned or
administered by individual departments. The shared resource belongs to the entire
enterprise; it is not the property of a single group. This radical change in responsi-
bility and ownership calls for centralized control and administration. A centralized
administration role must be established to assume this responsibility.
Data, a Vital Asset Every organization now considers its database system to be
highly important. Just like other assets of cash, inventory, or equipment, corporate
data are regarded as a significant asset for an organization. The corporate controller
manages and controls the company's finances. Similarly, there ought to be a custo-