Database administrators oversee software installation and ongoing functions for multiple users. They install new databases, create backup records, and handle software updates. They may also customize designs and functions to meet enterprise needs.
Essentially, a database administrator’s primary role has to do with overseeing the installation and ongoing functions of software on a system designed for use by multiple users. There are a number of specific responsibilities that someone in this job will perform in virtually any corporate environment.
A basic responsibility for virtually all database administrators involves installing new databases. As part of installing the database, he or she will configure login credentials for authorized persons, define the privileges associated with each authorized user, and ensure that all workstations connected to the network are configured to access the new database. This process usually involves a troubleshooting period, where the administrator will address and resolve any issues users are experiencing with the new product.
Database administrators typically handle the process of creating backup records of the information contained in the databases on the system. This involves more than setting up an automatic backup and assuming the backup is proceeding as planned. The administrator will check the backup files to ensure that the information is complete, the integrity of the data is secure and that the saved files can be easily accessed and loaded in case something happens to the main database.
With almost all software, new releases and updates are made available periodically. The database administrator will be aware of any new versions or upgrades to existing versions that could improve the efficiency of a currently installed database. Generally, he or she is authorized to upload free updates and install them at will. If a new version becomes available, the administrator can work with others in the company to determine if the cost of replacing the existing database software is worth the investment.
In more recent years, the database administrator’s role has expanded in some companies. The administrator may be called upon to create a basic design and customize the fields or functions to most effectively meet the needs of the enterprise. While these types of projects are most commonly associated with a database analyst or designer, it is not uncommon for a database administrator in a small business to take on these roles.
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