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The DBA in the IS Organization

The ability of the database administrator (DBA) to work effectively depends on the skill and knowledge the DBA brings to the task, and the role the DBA has on the overall Information Systems (IS) operation. This section describes how best to define the DBA role, discusses the relationship of the DBA to the IS organization, and makes suggestions for taking advantage of that relationship.

This document covers the following topics:


Position of the DBA in the Organization

The DBA should be placed high enough in the organization to exercise the necessary degree of control over the use of the database and to communicate at the appropriate level within user departments. However, the DBA should not be remote from the day-to-day processes of monitoring database use, advising on and selecting applications, and maintaining the required level of database integrity.

The appropriate position and reporting structure of the DBA depends solely on the nature and size of the organization.

In most organizations, the DBA is best placed as a functional manager with an status equivalent to the systems, programming, and operations managers. The DBA should have direct responsibility for all aspects of the continued operation of the database. It is also useful to give the DBA at least partial control over the programming and IS operation standards, since the DBA must have the ability to ensure that DBMS-compatible standards are understood and observed.

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Necessary Attributes for a DBA

The DBA is an essential resource to the organization: a politician, technician, diplomat, and policeman. The DBA needs to be a fair-minded person who is able to see both sides of database problems (that is, the IS department's side and the user's side) without prejudice in favor of either side. The DBA is expected to resolve problems for the benefit of the organization as a whole.

The DBA also needs

In many medium-to-large installations, DBA functions are performed by a team rather than an individual. In this case, different members of the team specialize in different skills and aspects of managing database resources.

In a small installation, it may be difficult to justify a team, yet impossible to find an individual with all the necessary attributes. In this case, a DBA must rely on assistance from other specialists such as the systems programmer, senior operator, or senior analyst.

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Management Support

To be effective, the DBA must be recognized and supported by both IS and user group management. With an in-depth understanding of the database operation and the service it provides to the organization, the DBA needs to be recognized as a center of competence for all matters involving the design or use of the database.

In principle, management should include the DBA in all decisions affecting the database to ensure that the database environment is not disrupted. Additionally, the DBA may often be able to suggest more cost-effective solutions that were known to management.

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What Mistakes Are Possible?

When establishing the DBA function, the following mistakes should be avoided:

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