Role of Database Administration in Nigeria – SS2 Data Processing Lesson Note (Second Term)

A database administrator (DBA) is a person responsible for the installation, configuration, upgrade, administration, monitoring and maintenance of databases in an organisation. The role includes designing and developing database strategies, monitoring the system, improving database performance and capacity, and planning for future expansion requirements. A database administrator may also plan, coordinate and implement security measures to safeguard the database.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define a database administrator;
• state the main duties of a database administrator;
• explain how a database administrator protects and controls access to a database;
• describe the part a database administrator plays in storage, backup and recovery.

What are the responsibilities of a database administrator?

A database administrator’s responsibilities can include the following tasks:

1. Installing and upgrading the database server and application tools.
2. Allocating system storage and planning future storage requirements for the database system.
3. Modifying the database structure, as necessary, from information given by application developers.
4. Enrolling users and maintaining system security.
5. Ensuring compliance with database vendor licence agreements.
6. Controlling and monitoring user access to the database.
7. Monitoring and optimising the performance of the database.
8. Planning for backup and recovery of database information.
9. Maintaining archive data.
10. Backing up and restoring databases.
11. Contacting database vendors for technical support.
12. Generating various reports by querying the database as needed.

Evaluation

1. Who is a database administrator?
2. List five tasks that a database administrator performs.
3. How does a database administrator control access to a database?
4. Why must a database administrator plan for backup and recovery?

Assignment

List and explain any six responsibilities of a database administrator.