Chapter - 4

Database Administration
 Outline:
 That data are a valuable business asset that
require careful management and how databases
play a critical role in an organization
 That the introduction of a DBMS has important
technological, managerial, and cultural
organizational consequences
 What the database administrator’s managerial and
technical roles are
 About several database administration tools and
strategies
 How various database administration technical
tasks are performed with Oracle
Data as a Corporate Asset
 Data are a valuable asset that require careful
management
 Data are a valuable resource that can
translate into information
 If the information is accurate and timely, it is
likely to trigger actions that enhance
company’s competitive position and generate
wealth
Data as a Corporate Asset
(continued)
The Need for and Role of Databases in
an Organization
 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 different view of data
and support required level of decision
making
Database Special Considerations
 Having computerized database management
system does not guarantee that data will be
properly used to provide best solutions required by
managers
 Introduction of a DBMS is likely to have a profound
impact, which might be positive or negative,
depending on how it is administered
 Introduction of DBMS has three important aspects:
 Technological-DBMS software and hardware
 Managerial-Administrative functions
 Cultural-Corporate resistance to change
The Evolution of the Database
Administration Function
 Data administration has its roots in the old,
decentralized world of the file system
 Advent of DBMS and its shared view of data
produced new level of data management
sophistication and led DP department to evolve into
information systems (IS) department
 Data management became increasingly complex
job, thus leading to development of database
administration function
The Evolution of the Database
Administration Function (Cont’d)
The Evolution of the Database
Administration Function (Cont’d)
The Evolution of the Database
Administration Function (Cont’d)
The Evolution of the Database
Administration Function (Cont’d)
The Database Environment’s
Human Component
 Even most carefully crafted database
system cannot operate without human
component
 Effective data administration requires both
technical and managerial skills
 DA must set data administration goals
 DBA is focal point for data/user interaction
 Need for diverse mix of skills
The Database Environment’s
Human Component (Cont’d)
The Database Environment’s
Human Component (Cont’d)
The Database Environment’s
Human Component (Cont’d)
The DBA’s Managerial Role
The DBA’s Technical Role
 Rooted in following areas of operation:
 Evaluating, selecting, and installing DBMS and related
utilities
 Designing and implementing databases and
applications
 Testing and evaluating databases and applications
 Operating DBMS, utilities, and applications
 Training and supporting users
 Maintaining DBMS, utilities, and applications
The Data Dictionary
 Two main types of data dictionaries:
 Integrated
 Standalone

 Main function-Store description of all objects that

interact with database
 Possible to manage use and allocation of all
organization’s information, regardless of whether it
has roots in database data
 Metadata stored in data dictionary are often basis
for monitoring database use and assignment of
access rights to database users
CASE Tools
CASE Tools (Cont’d)
Developing a Data Administration Strategy
 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
 Information engineering
 Translates strategic company’s strategic goals into data
and applications that will help company achieve those
goals
 Output of IE process is information systems architecture
that serves as basis for planning, development, and
control of future information systems
Developing a Database
Administration Strategy (Cont’d)
The DBA at Work: Using Oracle for
Database Administration

 Execution of tasks tends to be DBMS-and

operating-system specific
 This section is brief introduction to way
some typical DBA tasks would be
performed in Oracle
Oracle Database Administration Tools
The Default Login
Ensuring an Automatic RDBMS
Start
Creating Tablespaces and Datafiles
Creating Tablespaces and Datafiles
(Cont’d)
Managing the Database Objects: Tables,
Views, Triggers, and Procedures
Managing Users and Establishing
Security
Managing Users and Establishing
Security (Cont’d)
Customizing the Database Initialization
Parameters