Managing Multiuser Databases - Database Processing: Fundamentals, Design, and Implementation - page 396

Database Administration

The terms data administration and database administration are both used in practice. In
some cases, the terms are considered to be synonymous; in other cases, they have different
meanings. Most commonly, the term data administration refers to a function that applies to an
entire organization; it is a management-oriented function that concerns corporate data pri-
vacy and security issues. In contrast, the term database administration refers to a more techni-
cal function that is specific to a particular database, including the applications that process
that database. This chapter addresses database administration.
Databases vary considerably in size and scope, ranging from single-user personal data-
bases to large interorganizational databases, such as airline reservation systems. All of these
databases have a need for database administration, though the tasks to be accomplished vary
in complexity. For personal databases, individuals follow simple procedures for backing up
their data, and they keep minimal records for documentation. In this case, the person who
uses the database also performs the database administration functions, even though he or she
is probably unaware of it.
For multiuser database applications, database administration becomes both more
important and more difficult. Consequently, it generally has formal recognition. For some
applications, one or two people are given this function on a part-time basis. For large Internet
or intranet databases, database administration responsibilities are often too time consuming
and too varied to be handled even by a single full-time person. Supporting a database with
dozens or hundreds of users requires considerable time as well as both technical knowledge
and diplomatic skills. Such support usually is handled by an office of database administra-
tion. The manager of the office is often known as the database administrator . In this case,
the acronym DBA refers to either the office or the manager.
The overall responsibility of the DBA is to facilitate the development and use of the
database. Usually, this means balancing the conflicting goals of protecting the database and
maximizing its availability and benefit to users. Specific tasks are shown in Figure 9-1. We
consider each of these tasks in the following sections.

Managing the Database Structure
Managing the database structure includes participating in the initial database design and
implementation as well as controlling and managing changes to the database. Ideally, the
DBA is involved early in the development of the database and its applications; participates
in the requirements study; helps evaluate alternatives, including the DBMS to be used; and
helps design the database structure. For large organizational applications, the DBA usually is
a manager who supervises the work of technically oriented database design personnel.
Creating the database involves several different tasks. First, the database is created and disk
space is allocated for database files and logs. Then tables are generated, indexes are created, and
stored procedures and triggers are written. We will discuss examples of all of these tasks in the
next three chapters. Once the database structures are created, the database is filled with data.

Figure 9-1
Summary of Database
administration tasks

Summary of Database Administration Tasks

• Manage database structure

• Control concurrent processing

• Manage processing rights and responsibilities

• Develop database security

• Provide for database recovery

• Manage the DBMS

• Maintain the data repository