Database Reference
In-Depth Information
people skills and be respected in the user community. Must have the ability to
prepare short-term and long-term plans. Should be able to think through issues and
establish policies and procedures for areas such as database usage, data ownership,
data quality, and data security. Must be user-oriented rather than technology-
oriented. Prior experience in managing application projects in a database environ-
ment could form a good foundation.
Database Administrator
Must possess expertise in physical design of database
systems. Expected to have prior experience as a DBA in a similar organization.
Should possess thorough knowledge of database implementation and deployment.
Must have intimate knowledge of the selected DBMS. Knowledge and background
in systems programming and technical support are very helpful. Must have acute
problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills. Should have the ability to share tech-
nical knowledge about database systems and the particular DBMS with other infor-
mation technology professionals on the project team—required to be a good team
player. Must be knowledgeable in issues of concurrency control and database recov-
ery. Should be flexible and dedicated to work and resolve problems in emergency
situations at odd hours.
Interaction with Users and Practitioners
In the next sections, we will walk through the phases of the database development
life cycle and summarize the tasks and responsibilities of the DA and DBA. This
will provide a good conclusion to the discussion of the important topic of adminis-
tration of the database environment.
Before proceeding to summarize the tasks and responsibilities, let us pause to
observe the interaction of the DA and DBA with users and database practitioners.
These administrators must interact with other people in a number of ways to carry
out their responsibilities. Figure 14-4 highlights their interaction with users and
information technology professionals. Note how the figure shows the various users
at different levels and technology professionals by their job functions. Also, observe
how the figure indicates the interaction with each group of people.
DURING DEVELOPMENT
We will now summarize the tasks and responsibilities of the DA and DBA in each
of the phases of the development and implementation of the database system.
Chapter 4 covered the various phases of the database development life cycle.
Please go back to that chapter and quickly review the activities and tasks in every
phase.
We will list the tasks in each phase in which the DA and DBA assume key roles.
First, consider their participation in each phase. Figure 14-5 provides a broad indi-
cation of their participation.
In each of the following sections, we have listed the significant tasks in which the
DA and DBA assume substantial responsibilities. Against each task, the function
that plays a significant role is indicated. Note each task and also who is more
involved in that task.
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