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Today most business information systems, whether they are developed in-house or purchased "off the shelf", are designed to be used with one of the popular relational database management systems such as MSSQL, Oracle, or DB2. In order for a relational database system to be properly maintained, optimized and protected, it is very important to have someone who is trained and experienced with the technology responsible for supporting it.

Most modern relational database products are designed with highly adaptable configuration and operating features to accommodate many different environments. They can be implemented and fine-tuned to meet most any application needs. However, relational databases are complex and multifaceted systems that require a great deal of expertise to properly evaluate optimal settings based on the needs of the system. Once implemented, critical performance tuning and system parameters must be monitored over time to insure they are always adjusted for the best possible operation. A proactive approach is very important to insure the system is always available, secure and operating at peak efficiency.

Most businesses have come to depend on the availability of their data in order for operations to continue, and the cost of not having access to a critical system in a timely fashion can be devastating. Without data, most information systems are useless. It is clear that every database technology system needs a knowledgeable and experienced technician to be responsible for its administration and maintenance. In spite of this need, many database implementations are either neglected or maintained in a costly, inefficient way.

Some businesses will rely on the vendor of an application that uses the database to supply database management. Unfortunately their mail focus is on the support of the application rather than support of the database. They can't provide the regular scheduled maintenance required and oftentimes can only insure their application is performing in an optimal fashion at the expense of other applications that may also use the database system. Another recurring situation is that a business will assign someone who is not knowledgeable with the database technology to administer and maintain it. Eventually, both of these scenarios will result in less than satisfactory outcomes.

Retaining a full-time resident database administrator to care for database systems is critical. These highly trained, skilled personal will help insure that the information the business relies on will be available, secure and accessible in a timely manner so that business processes can continue uninterrupted.

Learn more about this author, Joe Coffman.
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