As a business grows, so does the number of applications that it uses. Those applications, which invariably hold and process data, rely on a database backend as a repository for that data.
The data that is now being used in those applications has become business critical and the IT team that looked after the applications realise that they are not actually caring for the data itself.
That’s when it’s decided that a DBA is required.
The Search for a DBA
Once the budget is approved for the additional head count in the department the search for a DBA can start.
That’s when the first issues of hiring a DBA becomes apparent – they are expensive to employ, especially a good one who knows what they are doing with critical data. Once it has been identified just how critical that data is; costs can no longer be saved by employing a junior DBA and the search for a Senior DBA can result in a Salary of £60,000+. Invariably these DBAs are found through recruitment agencies, so an additional cost of around 15% of basic salary can be added in recruitment costs.
After an extensive application/interview/on boarding processes the new DBA starts, up to 2 – 3 months after the initial search began. Once settled in, he or she then sets about reviewing the estate and coming up with a plan of how they are going to manage the database estate. Every DBA works differently and there are many ways to achieve the end result of secure, reliable and functional databases. Each DBA will have his own method of working.
A work plan is created and the DBA sets about sorting out the estate just the way they like it. After a while the production systems are running fine and your DBA is maintaining the status quo.
It is at this point that a DBA can get frustrated and start to look around for a new challenge to ensure that his skills are kept current. Before long there is the risk that they have handed in notice, potentially leaving the same day due to security of data.
The IT manager is now left with critical systems and no DBA, so the round of recruitment starts again, during which everyone has their fingers crossed that the databases perform as expected.
Time passes and a new DBA is in place and starts the review of the estate. He concludes that the old DBA didn’t set things up quite as he likes and comes up with a work plan to put it right.
…and so it goes on….
The search for a good DBA
In order to retain a good DBA, you need to keep them interested in the role and provide new challenges every day. The business is in opposition to this and wants stability and no disruption unless it is absolutely necessary.
WellData identified this problem very early on, and tackles the issue in a unique way. We deploy our DBA team across a number of clients. Each client is normally at a different point in the life cycle of an IT system, so there is always an interesting and challenging project on the go.
The Result – we retain our DBAs!!!
If we retain our DBA, our client retains their DBA.
We also provide a secondary backup to the primary DBA ensuring that a company has the continuity of support for the long term.
Therefore, happy DBA = happy client!
Call WellData on 0800 389 4051 today to see how we can take you out of the revolving DBA support dilemma.
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