Databases store information. For most companies, this information is stored on servers, which allow access to the data from all around the world. To manage these databases, companies generally hire administrators. Typically, the administrators perform their functions in-house, but given reliable network access, a new breed of administrators has emerged. They are called remote database administrators (DBAs).

To understand what these administrators do, the following details the requirements to fulfill this position.

Maintaining and Repairing

Remote database administration involves maintaining and repairing database infrastructure. This may involve such task as compressing the file system and eliminating indices or cross-reference groups. Maintenance also involves optimizing the file system for optimum performance by performing targeted indexing, which helps to speed up searches. To ensure data integrity, remote database administrators access and monitor disk space usage and reduce file sizes where appropriate. Backing up information, whether it is the entire database system or only certain segments, also falls under their purview. Assigning new users and defining the levels of access they have and the roles they may play, as well as monitoring their activity falls under maintenance as well. Mishaps occasionally occur. Thus, remote database administrators must also be able to repair and restore files.

Create Database Schema

Occasionally, remote database administrators may be called upon to design and implement a new schema. This involves defining tables, fields, indexes, relationships, and other structural characteristics of the filing system. They must also be skilled in implementing the best practices in the design to take advantage of any performance gains that occur from such practices.

Install and Test Upgrades

Periodically, software needs to be installed or upgraded. These tasks may include installing vendor patches or upgrading to the latest version of the software. Other installs the administrator may periodically perform are installing plug-ins and/or add-ons to improve the functionality of the file system. The administrators must be able to handle these tasks.

Evaluate and Recommends new Technologies

Technology changes very rapidly, which is equally true for when managing information. To ensure that organizations are getting the most value from their file system, remote database administration sometimes involves making recommendations about new software enhancements. This responsibility also includes testing the new software before it is implemented on the entire system.

Security

Company's files may contain sensitive information. Providing security for this information is probably the most critical requirement of remote DBAs. A lapse in security can open the information to users who do not have the proper access, competitors, or hackers who could easily destroy or disseminate the information across the internet. As such, remote database administration procedures must be performed in a manner that ensures that every precaution is taken to maintain data security.

Access to Network

Lastly, since the remote administrator is working remotely, they need to have reliable and secure access to the network. With broadband access to the network widely available, this should not be a problem. To further ensure security, all access to the network should use an encrypted connection.