1. DBS201: DBA/DBMS
Lecture 13

2. Agenda The functions of a DBMS
The role of a Data Administrator/ Database Administrator

3. Data as a Corporate Asset
Data are accepted as a valuable asset requiring careful management
Data are now well understood as a valuable resource to be translated into information
If information is accurate and timely, its use is likely to enhance company’s competitive position and generate wealth

4. Databases
Database’s predominant role is to support managerial decision making at all levels in the organization
DBMS must provide tools that give each level of management a different view of the data and support required level of decision making

5. Databases
Data is stored in a database and must be structured and arranged for storage, extraction and processing
Database consists of a collection of logically related data stored in a single repository which consists of end user data and metadata

6. Database Management System
A Database Management System (DBMS) manages the access to the database (and ultimately the data)
Database Management System (DBMS):
Collection of programs that manages database structure and controls access to data
Sharing of data among multiple applications and users

7. Database Management System
Makes data management more efficient and effective
Query language allows quick answers to ad hoc queries
Provides better access to more and better-managed data
Promotes integrated view of organization’s operations
Reduces the probability of inconsistent data

8. Database Management System
Figure 1.2

9. Database Management System
For Top Management
Provides the information necessary for strategic decision making and strategic planning
Provides access to external and internal data
Provides information on company performance and whether they are achieving their goals (targets)

10. Database Management System
For Middle Management
Provides data necessary for tactical decisions and planning
Provides a framework for enforcing and ensuring the security and privacy of the data

11. Database Management System
For Operational Management
Provides timely information for customer support
Produce query results within specified performance levels
Represents and supports the company operations as closely as possible (operational data)

12. DBMS Functions Data dictionary management Data storage management
Defines data elements and their relationships
Data storage management
Stores data and related data entry forms, report definitions, etc
Data transformation and presentation
Translates logical requests into commands to physically locate and retrieve the requested data

13. DBMS Functions Security management Multi-user access control
Enforces user security and data privacy within database
Multi-user access control
Creates structures that allow multiple users to access the data
Backup and recovery management
Provides backup and data recovery utilities

14. DBMS Functions Data integrity management
Promotes and enforces integrity rules to eliminate data integrity problems
Database language and application programming interfaces
Provides data access through a query language
Database communication interfaces
Allows database to accept end-user requests within a computer network environment

15. Database Design Importance of Good Design Practical Approach
eliminates data redundancy
eliminates errors leading to bad decisions
Practical Approach
Focus on principles and concepts of database design
Importance of logical design

16. Database vs. File Systems
Figure 1.6

17. Database System Environment
Figure 1.7

18. The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

19. The Database Life Cycle (DBLC)

20. Parallel Activities in the DBLC and the SDLC

21. Database Administration
Data administration has its roots in the old, decentralized world of the file system
Advent of the DBMS and its shared view of data produced a new level of data management sophistication and led the DP department to evolve into an information systems (IS) department
Data management became an increasingly complex job, thus leading to development of the database administration function

22. Database Administrators
Responsible for:
Physical implementation of the DBMS
Security and integrity control of the DBMS
Maintenance of the operational system
Ensuring satisfactory performance of the applications for users
Requires detailed knowledge of the target DBMS and the system environment

23. Database Administration

24. Database Administration

25. Database Administration

26. Database Administration

27. Database Administration
Even the most carefully crafted database system cannot operate without a human component
Effective data administration requires both technical and managerial skills
DA must set data administration goals
DBA is the focal point for data/user interaction
Need for diverse mix of skills

28. Database Administration

29. Database Administration

30. Desired DBA Skills

31. DBA Activities and Services

32. Database Administration
Critical step for any organization is to ensure its information system supports strategic plans for each of the company’s business areas
Database administration strategy must not conflict with information systems plans

33. Summary Data management is critical for any organization
Data should be treated as corporate asset with monetary value
DBMS is most commonly used electronic tool for corporate data management
Database administrator (DBA) is responsible for corporate database management

34. Summary
Broader data management activity is handled by data administrator (DA)
DA is more managerially oriented than the more technically oriented DBA
Development of data administration strategy is closely related to the company’s mission and objectives

35. DBA Resource Information
Salary Range for a Database Administrator: Average = C$45,234 (1 year experience)
Salary survey examples:
Job samples: