Additional Duties of the DBA

Some of the more advanced duties of the Oracle DBA might include the following:

• Data analysis: The DBA will frequently be called on to analyze the data stored in the database and to make recommendations relating to performance and efficiency of that data storage. This might relate to the more effective use of indexes or the use of some feature such as the Parallel Query option.
• Database design (preliminary): The DBA is often involved at the preliminary database-design stages. Through the involvement of the DBA, many problems that might occur can be eliminated. The DBA knows the DBMS and system, can point out potential problems, and can help the development team with special performance considerations.
• Data modeling and optimization: By modeling the data, it is possible to optimize the system layout to take the most advantage of your I/O subsystem.
• Assisting developers with SQL and stored procedure development: The DBA should be prepared to be a resource for developers and users. The DBA is often called on to help with SQL problems as well as to design and write stored procedures.
• Enterprise standards and naming conventions: Because many different groups might perform different roles in developing and deploying applications, it is often the DBA who is called on to help define enterprise standards and naming conventions as well as to ensure that new applications are conforming to these standards.
• Development of production migration procedures: Because the DBA is responsible for the availability and reliability of the DBMS and applications using that DBMS, it is up to the DBA to develop and maintain procedures for rolling out new applications and DBMS software. This involves evaluating new software or patches as well as testing them. It is up to the DBA to guarantee the stability and robustness of the system.
• Environmental documentation: The DBA should document every aspect of the DBMS environment, including hardware configuration and maintenance records, software updates, changes to the applications and DBMS, and all other items related to changes made to the system. The DBA should be able to access these records and fully reproduce the current system as necessary.
• Consult with development team and end users--The DBA is often called on to act as a consultant to the development team as well as to the user community. This might involve personally assisting a single user or developing training courses for the user community as a whole.
• Evaluation of new software--The DBA might be called on to evaluate new software and make recommendations based on that evaluation. This might be related to a software purchase or a scheduled rollout of a new version of software. This evaluation must be done in the context of the stability of the system. It is your responsibility to maintain system stability and reliability.
• Evaluation of new hardware and software purchases--There is much consideration involved in purchasing new hardware and software. Much of this consideration involves the functionality and compatibility of the software or hardware as well as the cost of these components. Although the cost of the item is not usually a concern of the DBA, the functionality and compatibility is. The DBA might be asked to make recommendations based on whether these purchases make sense.
• Capacity planning and sizing--Determining whether it is necessary to purchase new hardware or software to meet increased loads is often a job for the DBA. Capacity planning and sizing is important to provide the level of service your users require. By anticipating the future needs of your users, you can provide an excellent level of service with no interruptions.