Re: DBA activities

Steve Bourgeois wrote:
>
> > From a managers perspective,
> > >>if they sit around all day and the database never crashes, backups
> > work, table spaces don't get full and data is always available then a
> > DBA does nothing and maybe isn't needed.
>
> This could also be the case where you have a very good DBA.

Aha, the lightbulb goes on. You, my friend, would possibly make a very good manager from that statement.

>
> If the DBA is skilled and proactive, then occurrences of problems
> with backups, space management, etc. are greatly minimized. It's
> worth the time/money to buy or develop tools to help you
> keep an eye on things and deal with them quickly. A DBA who
> looks like they aren't doing anything could be working on some
> neat tool that will make your environment run more smoothly.
>

You are most certainly management material....

> I'm sure there are plenty of DBA's lurking about this NG
> who have had things fall apart when they were on vacation.
> It certainly helps people understand your value...
>

Agree

> And of course, crashes can happen no matter how skilled your
> DBA is :)
>

Unfortunately this is true

> > >>However, if the database crashes frequently, data is often
> > unavailable, the DBA has to work late most nights and in crisis mode,
> > table spaces get full and the DBA is always explaining how he fixed the
> > problem, then he is a critical team member who the business could not do
> > without - in fact if he left the manager feels he would be right in the
> > shit!
>
> And this could also be the case where you have a not-so-good DBA.
>

Aha, another statement which proves you would be a good manager.

> Steve

Your wisdom in this email suggests you are a techie (or have been), or maybe an enlightened manager. Unfortunately not all managers have the same wisdom. How many times did you see that second type of DBA leave and all the problems eventually stopped......the purpose of my email was to highlight how some managers MISunderstand what makes a good DBA.

Regards

Paul Received on Fri Jul 27 2001 - 16:46:20 CDT