NetworkTigers explains how to think like a database administrator.
With data creation expected to reach 147 ZB by the end of 2024, there has never been a more critical time to be a database administrator. In 2020, internet users generated just over 64 ZB of data. The amount of data online now exceeds the number of known stars in the universe.
A database administrator has a more important role than ever in managing online information. Database administrators are responsible for data integrity and the management, storage, access, recovery, and security of data and information.
Projecting for growth
Database administration requires a growth-oriented mindset as the IoT expands. Databases are constantly growing, and administrators need to leave room for this expansion while also being able to handle large-scale models. Techniques like table partitioning, data federation and replication can help prevent a large database from becoming unwieldy even when geographically decentralized. A database administrator needs to be able to handle these techniques and table copying to stay on top of growth.
Always-on mindset
One crucial area of database administration is ensuring access. The internet is never off; databases today need to be always accessible. Managing a database for a website means juggling different time zones and user/client expectations so that you can conduct crucial maintenance without creating an outsize inconvenience.
Because of this, database administrators are masters of redundancy. How can you ensure availability for as many users as possible while preparing online backups, clustering, and standby options in case things go wrong? How can you isolate these redundancies to prevent data integrity loss in the event of corruption? These are questions a good database administrator is ready to answer.
Critical thinking
A database administrator is often a crucial part of the team if a data breach or ransomware demand is issued. A database administrator might also be called upon should there be a server failure or employee compromise issue. Because of this, database administrators must be cool-headed and collected thinkers who can problem-solve on their feet. Thinking logically and applying a systematic approach to conflict resolution, whether in internal systems or when facing external threats, is crucial for a database administrator.
Negotiation and communication
Some database administrators are in corporate-facing roles. The position can be cross-functional, depending on the size and setup of the company. As a database administrator, you might find yourself requesting cybersecurity resources, allocation for upgrades, and permissions across departments. Database administrators might also work closely with data engineers, system administrators, and software developers. They can help guide data modeling and design to ensure company resources are spent productively. Having clear communication techniques is often a must in these situations.
Organizing and archiving
Company records and information can quickly rage out of control without a database administrator. Database administrators are archivists and must possess a pristine sense of organization. Outdated or irrelevant data must be chased down and deleted or archived while maintaining organized records. Some state and industry regulations require that specific data be isolated or archived when used less often. Data archiving also helps systems run more smoothly and prevents delays or overloads.
Data mining
Data mining, when done incorrectly, is a controversial topic. Improper use of data mining can shake consumer trust or raise red flags for surveillance, like in the 2012 Target case, where the company marketed pregnancy products to groups of women based on their similar purchases like vitamins and unscented bath products. However, when in the hands of a capable and ethical database administrator, data mining can help organizations offer better client outcomes, identify key trends or performance issues, and create insights that can help guide decision-making. Data mining can help companies aggregate data and decide what to do with it.
How to become a database administrator?
Many database administrators have developer backgrounds and gain on-the-job knowledge from those careers that allow them to transition to DBA. A bachelor’s degree in fields like information science or computer science is usually required, and some database administrators also have master’s degrees in database administration or information technology. Crucial skills involve a deep understanding of programming languages like Python, R, Java, and SQL.
There is a rising demand for database administrators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increased demand through 2031. The job outlook has a faster-than-average growth projection of 8% nationwide. The skills needed to manage, protect, organize, access, and store large amounts of data will continue to be more useful as time progresses.
About NetworkTigers
NetworkTigers is the leader in the secondary market for Grade A, seller-refurbished networking equipment. Founded in January 1996 as Andover Consulting Group, which built and re-architected data centers for Fortune 500 firms, NetworkTigers provides consulting and network equipment to global governmental agencies, Fortune 2000, and healthcare companies. www.networktigers.com.
All articles sponsored by NetworkTigers.
