Database Management: The...uh...Management...of, um...Data.

 

There are many aspects of Information Technology that I find fascinating.  The topic I chose as most relevant to me to discuss today is Database Management.  This topic is likely incredibly boring to most people and for good reason. “Database Management, allows a person to organize, store and retrieve data from a computer. Database Management can also describe, the data storage, operations and security practices of a Database Administrator (DBA), throughout the life cycle of the data.” (Knight. 2018).

Database Management is not an aspect of Information Technology that is eye-catching and exciting, there isn’t a lot of talk about new advancements in database management technology that gets the public excited, but database management is an important and fundamental aspect of information technology.  The organization of data is important for the ability to access it when we want to.  The rate of data growth is increasing exponentially and in order to ensure a streamlined ability to use data when needed, it needs to be maintained and organized.

My first introduction to Database Management came from my friend is currently working as a Database Administrator (DBA). After hearing more about his career, I made the selfish choice to try and pursue that same career.  I am now back in school getting a degree in Computer Science that I will use to become a Database Administrator myself.

My friend and I have similar personalities.  As an introvert, I don’t mind talking to other people, but I am just as happy being left alone to my own devices. The position entails a lot of “puzzle-solving”, which I enjoy doing, and does not necessarily depend on social interactions or relying on others. Database Administrators are in demand at nearly all large businesses and the skills of a DBA are highly transferable from one position to the next.  This allows for the ability to move and relocate easily.  Most positions are even available at 100% telework so that you never even need to commute to an office.  Add to all this that salaries for a DBA are highly competitive and it seems to be a perfect fit to me.  

Database Management is the management of databases (I know, duh right?), so the concept usually revolves around the coding and sorting of large servers filled with information.  This process is done via a computer interface and typically made simpler by a software component called a Database Management System. “A database management system (DBMS) is an app that creates, maintains, and accesses database systems. Popular DBMS' include MySQL, Oracle Database, and Microsoft Access. Common database operations include:

• Adding new data
• Editing existing data
• Deleting data
• Querying the database for information. A query is a search in a database for data.”

(Vahid. Lysecky. 2017)

The most common “language” for Database Administration is called SQL (pronounced “sequel”).  There are many different varieties of SQL, each major manufacturer such as IBM or Microsoft have their own version, but the core principles are very similar. So learning basic SQL will allow you to quickly adapt to the various varieties.  Think of it as learning Latin, then using that to understand French and Spanish.  This is what makes the skills highly adaptable for a DBA when moving from one position to another.  Using the SQL language, DBAs are able to write rules into the Database that allow for organization, query modes, and access to the information contained in the storage.

Database Management and Database Administrators must also be concerned with securing their data.  Large amounts of data are almost always prime targets for those with malicious intentions. “Database security refers to the range of tools, controls, and measures designed to establish and preserve database confidentiality, integrity, and availability.” (IBM. 2019). DBAs are also charged with the responsibility of ensuring that security systems are up to date to keep unwanted access out while ensuring necessary access is not impeded. “Database security must address and protect the following:

• The data in the database
• The database management system (DBMS)
• Any associated applications
• The physical database server and/or the virtual database server and the underlying hardware
• The computing and/or network infrastructure used to access the database”

(IBM. 2019).

 

So while I may not have enticed you with Database Management enough to make you want to run out and change your career path, this topic is interesting to a slice of the public.  If you are like-minded to me, I hope I have provided you a brief insight into the world as a DBA and perhaps piqued your interest a bit.

 

References

IBM Cloud Education (2019, August 27). Database Security: An Essential Guide. IBM. https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/database-security

Knight, M. (2018, January 1). What is Database Management? Dataversity. https://www.dataversity.net/what-is-database-management/  

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2017). Computing technology for all. Retrieved from zybooks.zyante.com/