Database management over Christmas

By Sean


Keep the festive season festive: avoid database disasters.

According to Gartner only 6 percent of companies survive longer than two years after losing data.

While data loss can happen any time, the festive season can be a particularly tough one when it comes to database management. The main challenge? Shortage of staff.

In-house or outsourced, your Database Administrators are a critical resource for your business. While their job might not be so visible, they are the people that ensure your database is working efficiently, they are those who troubleshoot problems, and those who maintain and upgrade hardware and software, among other things. They are the people you rely upon for the safety of your company lifeblood: data.

However, as the festive season approaches, IT staff deserve to take a well-earned rest – but can they? And especially, can you afford it?

Leaving your database unattended can result in disaster: from not knowing if the systems are actually running, to lack of back-ups, your company would be exposed to serious risk of data loss, something you want to avoid at all costs. Can you imagine not knowing anymore who your clients are or how to reach out to them? What about not having access to your financial records? This type of data loss can easily destroy a company.

Not only that, but according to Symantec, October through to December is the most common period for business data breaches.

How can you prevent all of this from happening? If you can’t afford to have a rota or to fully outsource* your database management, before your DBAs go on leave, ensure that you:

Complete a health-check

to evaluate the performance of your SQL or Oracle database and highlight possible areas that require upgrades or fixes.

Perform a full back-up

to ensure that you have a complete copy of the database. While a back-up only allows restoring the database to a point-in-time when the backup was made, it would be better than losing all your data.

Have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan

to prevent the cost and risk of downtime.

 

While these 3 steps won’t be able to fully protect your database, they will help minimise the effects of a disaster, should this occur.

*And what if you outsource your Database management? In this case you should be assured that your database is in safe hands. Importantly though, check with your provider that they also provide full cover over the holidays.

On the bright side, the festive season can be the opportunity for updating and upgrading your IT system.

With most users and businesses going into slow-mode, December is the best time to implement those major works to your database that you have been postponing because they often require downtime, as the quiet time means minimum disruption.
So, as you start planning your Christmas shopping, don’t forget to plan your Database management over the holidays.

 

Oracle open world
Sean Rodgers

Sean Rodgers is WellData’s Commercial Director. With over 18 years of experience in database management and IT operations, Sean supervises and mentors our Database Administrators to ensure that our clients get personalised care and cutting-edge solutions for their IT requirements. At WellData we guarantee that our UK-only based team provides affordable and proactive support 24/7, no matter the time of the year.

 

Get in touch

<< Back to Knowledge Centre

Join Our Newsletter

Contact Email  *
First Name 
Last Name 
*Required Fields
I agree to the  Privacy Policy and  Terms of Use 

Here's what other people think

Google Rating
5.0
High standard, professional service. I've worked with Welldata for a number of years and always found their DBA's to be knowledgeable and proactive. Throw any question at them and it will be resolved, it gives real peace of mind knowing you have a partner you can rely on from emergencies to general questions. They also like a challenge and we do throw a few curved balls at them.read more
Paul Miller
Paul Miller
12:34 27 Aug 21
The support I receive from Well Data is extremely responsive. Richard Parsons is my contact and keeps me informed daily on the health of our SQL Databases. Whenever I ask for assistance from Well Data it is quick and professional.read more
Kay Riley
Kay Riley
13:41 19 Aug 21
Really know their stuff and their response times are very good. They provide us with a vital service.
Andy Cole
Andy Cole
13:36 19 Aug 21
The guys at WellData really know their stuff. We wanted a quick route to doing something complex and they sorted it for us very quickly and to a high standard. Very professional, no ego, just excellent and to the point consultancy.read more
Steve Goacher
Steve Goacher
11:31 14 Nov 19
I have worked with the WellData team for many years now and they have always delivered.I would highly recommend them to any business looking for best-value outsourced Expert DBA’s.Being able to offer a rolling contract on the basis that if they don’t deliver you can leave shows their confidence and commitment.Their professionalism and knowledge is second to none.read more
Petro Bartoszyk
Petro Bartoszyk
08:51 18 Oct 19
A very dedicated team of extremely professional and knowledgeable experts
Giulia Iannucci
Giulia Iannucci
14:08 16 Nov 18
We use Welldata for SQL support and are very happy with their service.
David Sadler
David Sadler
09:40 15 Nov 18
Really know their stuff and their response times are very good.
Andy Cole
Andy Cole
11:45 06 Nov 18
Our partnership with WellData has enabled us to resolve critical database problems. Their attitude and service makes them a natural extension to our own technology team, which extends our capability in a critical area of our business.read more
Steve Fenton
Steve Fenton
10:56 05 Nov 18
Having worked with the team at Welldata for approaching 17 years, my company and I have always found them professional, reliable and generally a great firm to work with.read more
John Lynes
John Lynes
14:00 04 Oct 17
WellData provide an excellent level of support and their team are very knowledgeable and always go the extra mile. I would wholeheartedly recommend them.read more
Stefan Parrott
Stefan Parrott
13:12 19 Sep 17