CEO's Connection
The Data DBA or the Dilbert DBA — What Type Are You?
by Rob Gardos, CEO
As one of the more ignoble characters in a popular 1980's movie correctly stated, "The most valuable commodity I know of is information." The data tracked by an organization is its most critical asset, so why then are the primary caretakers of managing this information often oblivious to it? Of all the money being spent on data management (much of which is driven by the salaries of database administrators) how much is actually going into tasks that directly extract value from data, or more specifically tasks that drive a business forward? According to the leading analysts DBAs spend the vast majority of their time doing fairly mundane tasks and always with a focus on keeping the ship afloat. The good ones may leverage the mighty power of the script to improve efficiency but this is often done on an ad hoc basis. More frequently, our friendly DBA has been reduced to an instant cake-mix baker following run books and escalating to support when all else fails. When you consider that these are your 'data' people and the importance of understanding your data can mean a company's success or failure, it is surprising that little has been done to change this precarious situation.
In my opinion there are 2 types of DBAs:
The Dilbert DBA —Unfortunately there are many DBAs that believe hording knowledge and maintaining the mystery of administration are keys to ensuring job security. The word "automation" does not equate to more free time for higher, value-add work, rather "automation" means potential job loss. These people are typically nay-sayers and do very little to drive their organizations forward.
The Data DBA — These individuals actually disdain the every day world of operational DBA work and are happier tuning, modeling and developing conclusions based on valuable information. To the Data DBA, the database application is simply a tool to perform a task. The complexity of the tool is often perceived as a hindrance simply to be overcome.
Unfortunately the complexities of database applications have created many more Dilbert DBAs than Data DBAs. And companies are paying the price. As the amount of data under management and the standards by which that data is managed are increasing at such a pace that even the Dilbert DBA is hard to find, companies cannot afford to remain operating in the status quo. Companies must recognize this database-centric reality and look to improve efficiency through automation and standardization. Companies must gain control of the database applications that manage their precious data.
So what is the future of our DBA? While some will resist, their sole survival is contingent upon becoming strategic members of their operational team and doing what they should do best - extracting value from data. Otherwise, they will be lots of Dilbert DBAs looking for work. I think the local bakery is hiring.
Robert Gardos
President and CEO
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