Every CIO knows that well-managed databases are the unsung heroes of the business world. When database management is done well, it’s practically imperceivable, so it can be a thankless task, but database management (done well) is the lifeblood that keeps any organization performing at its best.
On the flip side, poorly- (or under-) managed databases can wreak havoc. Without the proper processes in place, a business can quickly grind to a halt if the databases that support it can’t keep up. If you feel closer to the latter scenario when it comes to your database management, you’re not alone. Many organizations struggle to find the right balance to support their database management processes. But there is hope. Here are several steps you can take today to get your database management headed in the right direction:
Ditch the Accidental DBA
Stop us if you’ve heard this one. You got your databases up and running and needed someone to keep them running. So, wanting to keep things moving forward, you tasked the IT team member with the most bandwidth or “good enough” database management skills to keep them up and running. And you know what? They probably did.
However, they probably have other tasks on their plate that either don’t allow them to dedicate as much time to database support as they should have or those more strategic projects are getting delayed for the necessary but menial tasks of database management. Not to mention, likely don’t have an in-depth knowledge of your management platform, whether that’s Oracle database or SQL or MySQL. Don’t blame the accidental DBA, but it’s time to move on to someone who is truly qualified to manage and optimize your databases.
Take a Team Approach to Database Management
The appeal of having a senior DBA in-house to support your databases is pretty clear, but before you make that (considerable) investment, think through the pros and cons. On the plus side, you have a knowledgeable, experienced database expert dedicated to the daily management and optimization of your databases. Should anything arise that needs immediate attention, you’ll have a resource right down the hall.
On the down side, many businesses can’t afford to have more than one DBA in-house. That means you have to factor in vacations, sick days, evenings, holidays, and the possibility of turnover. That’s why many businesses choose to partner with a managed service provider that, even though remote can provide a full team of dedicated, experienced database professionals well-versed in all database management platforms (whether it’s an Oracle database, SQL Server, MySQL, etc.) and they’re available 24/7/365. Plus, with a remote team focused on your databases, your in-house IT staff can turn their attention to more strategic matters to keep your business growing.
Ensure a Solid Return on Your Investment
At the end of the day, you really want to be certain you’re getting the most value possible out of your database management strategy. That means ensuring that they’re optimized and also that you’re making the smartest investment in how they’re managed. From hiring an in-house DBA to turning to a freelance consultant or partnering with a managed service provider, you have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing the right database support option for your business.
That’s why we made this easy-to-use ROI Resource to help executives better understand the investment and return of the top database support options. Get your complimentary copy here:
For even more database support insights, don’t miss our Database Support Cheat Sheet.
