Database Administration

Definition

Database administration is the operations task during which databases are administered.

Objectives

The typical objectives of the database administration task are to:

• Ensure that the databases function properly:
  • The correct (e.g., latest) versions of the database software are installed.
  • The databases are properly backed-up.
  • The database(s) are properly configured.
  • The database(s) are properly tuned for optimal performance.
• Ensure that adequate hardware components (e.g., tape or disk libraries) will be available when needed.

Preconditions

The database administration task can typically begin when the following preconditions hold:

• The usage phase has begun.
• The operations team has been adequately staffed with database administrators. who are adequately trained and experienced in database administration.
• Databases have been installed, loaded, configured, and tested during the delivery phase.

Completion Criteria

The database administration task is typically complete when the following postconditions hold:

• The retirement phase has begun.
• The databases have been retired.

Steps

The database administration task typically involves the following teams performing the following steps in an interative, incremental, parallel, and time-boxed manner:

• Database Administrator(s) of the Operations Team:
  • Maintain the database(s) in the contact center(s) and data center(s):
    • Install new versions of the database software.
    • [Re]configure the database(s).
  • Continually tune the database(s) to optimize database performance.
  • Regularly perform trend analysis to determine future requirements for necessary mass storage hardware components (e.g., tape drives, tape or disk libraries), and order new components in a timely manner.

Techniques

The database administration task can typically be performed using the following techniques:

• Profiling and performance analysis
• Trend analysis

Work Products

The database administration task typically results in the production of all or part of the following work products:

• Operations Work Products:
  • Operations Log (Database administration task performances)

Guidelines

• This task could also be required during the initiation, construction, and delivery phases for the administration of development environment databases.