A database is a shared resource. When two or more users are tied to a common database, certain difficulties in sharing are likely to occur. Perceptions regarding data ownership, priority of access, and the like become issues that need to he resolved when the data base is in operation. To manage the database, companies hire a data base administrator or DBA to protect and manage the data base on a regular basis.
In addition to resolving user conflicts, the DBA performs maintenance and update tasks-recovery procedures, performance evaluation, database timing, and new enhancement evaluation. Specifically, the DBA performs three key functions: managing data activities, managing the data base structure, and managing the DBMS.
1. Managing data activities. The DBA manages data base activities by providing standards, control procedures, and documentation to ensure each user's independence from other users. Standardization is extremely important in a centralization-oriented environment. Every data base record must have a standard name, format, and unique strategy for access. Standardization, though resisted by users, simplifies reporting and facilitates management control.
In addition to standardization, the DBA is concerned about data access and modification. Deciding who has authorization to modify what data is job in itself. Locks have to be established to implement this activity. Failures and recovery procedures are added concerns. Failures may be caused by machines, media, communications, or users. The user must be familiar with a recovery procedure for rein putting reports. Training users and maintaining documentation for successful recovery are important responsibilities of the DBA.
2. Managing data base structure. This responsibility centers around the design of the schema and special programs for controlling redundancy, maintaining control of change requests, implementing changes in the schema, and maintaining user documentation. In the case of documentation, the DBA must know what changes have been made, how they were made, and when they were made. Data base changes must be backed by a record of test runs and test results.
3. Managing DBMS. A third responsibility involves the central processing unit (CPU), compiling statistics on system efficiency, including CPU times and elapsed times of inquiries. CPU time is the amount of time the CPU requires to process a request. Elapsed time is the actual clock time needed to process the activities and return a result (output). Much of this time depends on the nature of the activity, other activities that occur in the interim, and the peak load requirements of the system .
Other elements also affect OHMS management. The DBA investigates 'user performance complaints and keeps the system's capabilities in tune with user requirements. Modifications may have to be made to the communication network, the operating system, or their interfaces with the DBMS. It is the DBA's responsibility to evaluate changes and determine their' impact on the data base environment.
The DBA has a full-time, highly responsible job. In addition to a managerial background, the DBA needs technical knowledge to deal with data base designers. For example, he/she needs to maintain the data dictionary and evaluate new data base features and their implementation. The combinations of technical and managerial backgrounds make the job of the DBA unique.
Where does the DBA fit into the organization structure? There is considerable debate about this. Two views are commonly accepted. One proposes that the DBA should not be subordinate to a group that imposes restrictions. The second view is that the DBA should be no more than one level above the prime user that uses the system most frequently. In the long run, the key to the success of the DBA in the organization is the attitude and support of the senior MIS staff and upper management for the DBA function.
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