Article by Louis Zhang
Database technologies have grown to a large proportion of most organizations’ information technology budget. As the dominant format, SQL databases have become a core part of the data infrastructure for most companies. The resulting shifts have increased demand for SQL administrator professionals with expertise in web data, MsSQL as well as a variety of software technology ranging from SQL 2000 to 2005.An SQL Server Administrator works to develop secure SQL databases for a variety of organization as well as ensuring the free flow of data to authorized users. A core part of the job is developing a proper firewall to ensure that security rights are well established so prevent unauthorized data access both within and external to the organization. The ability to solve database problems is a particular important skill, as DBA administrators come across new issues nearly every day. While most days an administrator will work to develop and upgrade existing technologies, they also need to be able to constantly test and correct any issues with the database to avoid any potential problems down the road. Since large companies require fast data access, administrators are constantly upgrading systems and creating plans to upgrade software and hardware to improve performance.
While there are no firm degree requirements, most DBA professionals have an associates, bachelors or masters degree with a focus on information systems, computer science or software engineering. Most importantly, the skills needed to properly analyze the growth of web data is a broad set of quantitative skills that allow you to constantly learn new and emerging technologies. To that end, SQL DBAs should seek to become Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professionals which provides both certifications on existing technology, as well as opportunities for training on upgrades and forthcoming software options. MS SQL is a major component of SQL software, along with the open source mySQL solution. Most major companies rely upon a complete set of Microsoft solutions ranging from software to hardware, so a Microsoft SQL training course will cover the professional needs of most DBAs.
