Databases are software applications that contain complex records of information.
For example, your school might have a database that contains many tables of
records.
One table might contain the address of each student in the school. Another
table might contain records of each student's grades. Another table might
contain records of the classes and the students and teachers that are in each.
The tables are all related to one another so you can run a "search" to
find the information you want. For example, you could search the database
to find out which class has had the highest marks in geography since 1995.
Database administrators (DBAs) work with database management systems software.
They test them, debug them and coordinate changes.
They may also be responsible for design implementation and system security.
DBAs install software and look after upgrades. They write documentation and
manuals and develop policies for database procedures.
Some DBAs write programs that automate various functions.
DBAs talk with customers and other team members. They go to meetings, provide
support and do troubleshooting.
Database administrators have to be familiar with various computers and
operating systems. These include mainframes, Windows, UNIX systems and others.
They may work with databases such as Oracle, Ingres and many others. DBAs
must keep updating their skills to keep up with new technology and new trends.
Database administrators are at risk of eye strain, carpal tunnel syndrome
and other conditions that result from using a computer for long hours every
day.
Data architects are offshoots of DBAs. "Typically, the architect designs
the database and the database administrator implements it," says Robert Feehan.
He's a DBA in Boston.
"The architect deals with the data and how it is organized. The DBA deals
with the system that the database is running on."
Some DBAs in smaller companies perform both functions.