Aren’t DBA’s Just System Admins for Databases?

BuckWoody — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:37:32 GMT

Last week I ran into an argument I’ve had since I left the mainframe space decades ago. A developer told me “DBA’s don’t design databases.” The inference was that DBA’s (i.e., Database Administrators) only worry about hardware, security, OS, database backups, things like that. He seemed amazed that a DBA would ever do “data” work.

It may be the name. Perhaps the “admin” part confuses developers. Also, it is true that in some shops, a systems admin does double duty with Windows, SQL Server, and perhaps even mail and web admins.

But there are a LOT of DBA’s, or as the term I like to use, “Data Professionals”, that actually DO get down in the trenches and design databases, write Transact-SQL code and stored procedures, and do almost everything in the database other than write middle-tier or User Interface (UI) code. Some I know even do that.

So what if there is a miscommunication on this? Well, the ramifications can be huge. For one thing, there’s a lack of respect. That’s not called for ever, no matter what anyone’s role is. Also, one of the most impactful areas in a database is the design. When a DBA is asked to export data, tune a process, or troubleshoot an issue, it invariably involves the design. So when a DBA doesn’t get to do the design, they have to live with the results. And anything you’re responsible for when you don’t have the authority over is a recipe for stress.

Another issue is that DBA’s “inherit” all kinds of data structures form around the company. From Microsoft Access to Excel, to amateur Business Analysts creating databases in the Express Editions, they deal with bad design day after day. The newer “modeling” languages that are coming into vogue will make this problem much worse. These languages do not take scale, extensibility, security or performance into account – they just make sure that the data ends up in the right place for that particular design, which is a recipe for data disaster when the “small application” the developer writes becomes a “mission critical” system the DBA has to troubleshoot at 2:00 A.M.

So in case you’re a developer, and in case you think DBA’s “just do admin” – think again. DBA’s spend their whole day in this world, and can be a valuable asset to your development efforts. Bring them in early, bring them in often, and whatever you do – don’t design alone. Business Analysts, Developers and Data Professionals are needed to make a good, sustainable, secure, well-performing database.

Buck Woody : Rant, Developer, Microsoft, Development

Aren’t DBA’s Just System Admins for Databases?