Database Administrator Responsibilities

It is very essential for companies to maintain and keep a track record of their databases in order to provide essential data when needed. For this purpose, they avail the services which are provided by Information Technology (IT) professionals known as Database Administrators (DBAs).

The primary responsibility of a database administrator is supervising installation and efficient operation of software and databases  intended for PC users. There are many duties that he will carry out in any business environment. Data storage, data security, data management, and backup are some of the main responsibilities that are needed to be performed.

General obligations of a database professional include participating in the installation of new databases. As a part of this procedure, he sets up login credentials to authorized personnel, defines the privileges related with every authorized user, and makes sure that each workstation connected to the network is set up to gain access to the new database.

This procedure normally comprises a troubleshooting period wherein the database administrator diagnoses and resolves any issues that users come across with the new database.

These professionals are also responsible for carrying out the management of the procedure which relates to creating backup records of data which is present in databases of the system. This process comprises more than just making provisions for an automatic backup and assuming that the backup is being executed according to the plan.

A database administrator examines the backup files to ensure that the data is complete, integrity of data is secure, and saved files can effortlessly be accessed and loaded in a situation where something goes wrong with the main database.

While dealing with databases and software, database administrators also ensure that provisions are made for new releases and upgrades periodically. They make sure that new versions or upgrades are made available, which would meliorate the efficiency of the present editions of databases.

Usually, they are authorized to upload advanced versions and install them at a required time period. When an upgrade is available, they coordinate work with other IT professionals in the company to decide if the expense of replacing the present database software is worth the investment.

Recently, the obligations have been elaborated in some software development companies. The database experts may have to take a rough design and customize features and functionalities to serve the company. Since these assignments are normally concerned with a database analyst/designer, database administrator in small firms may take on these obligations.

A bachelor's degree in computer science or MIS is recommended before entering the field of database administration. The degree will add weight to your resume and increase your chances of advancement in salary. You most significantly need to be aware of the latest trends in the IT sector regarding new emerging technologies in the market.

You should also be willing to adapt to the variations in the ever-changing technologies. Generally, this post requires a college degree, 1 to 3 years of experience and few months of formal training. A complete understanding of technologies like Windows, Oracle databases, TMS, PL/SQL, Unix, Informix, DB2, etc. is essential for carrying out the duties.

The pay depends on his level of expertise, work experience, educational qualifications, certifications and corporate training. While an entry-level database administrator earns on an average a pay of US$ 61,000 per annum, an experienced one may earn about US$ 88,500. Those with an experience of over 10-15 years may earn upto about US$ 132,000 a year.

To fulfill the ever changing database administrator duties, it is recommended to obtain necessary certifications and trainings in design, programming and data warehousing. Job prospects are on an increase, due to a rise in the level of hacking of confidential data stored in company databases.