Leveraging the Power of Remote DBA
Robust data and data management forms the backbone of businesses today, more often than not, gives them their competitive edge. Keeping this view, the job of database administrators has become increasingly crucial for companies today. A database administrator (DBA) is responsible not just for database management, but for policy formation, database design, implementation, security and upgradation. Needless to say, it is a crucial role.
An important decision that senior management needs to take, is whether they want to keep the DBA in-house or outsource it to experts (remote).
Our advice?
It pays to use a remote DBA and here are the 6 reasons why:
1. Remote DBAs are Experts
There is no doubt, that when we hire an in-house DBA, we do our best to pick someone with enough experience and perceived skills. It boils down to how well we have judged the prospective DBA and if the DBA can deliver at his job. However, with a remote DBA, clients can be assured that the entire team, is built basis their capability to expertly manage databases and comprise of star experts with years of experience in the field. This allows for skillful management of your database and effective results.
2.Optimizing Your Business Strengths
The outsourcing industry sprung from the realization that businesses do better when they focus on what they do best. Implying, that, what is not their core business, can be handled by someone else. Using a remote DBA means, you spend that much less time, in managing databases which isn’t your core business. This frees up time for you to focus on your core competencies and grow your business by leaps and bounds.
Remote DBA experts these days understand that there is a business goal that needs to be accomplished and they are responsible for making data work in their client’s favor. It simply then makes sense that clients focus on business numbers rather than back-end data, which can be managed by the remote experts.
3. Cost Efficiencies
Database management isn’t a static repetitive task. It is dynamic and the requirements change with new goals and new challenges. When companies hire in-house DBAs, they must incur cost of recruitment, training and retaining that employee. Further, in periods when there is no active involvement required, companies must still pay the in-house DBA his monthly salary. However, with a remote DBA, clients have the option of always paying on-demand or opting for cost-effective packages which bring down the project cost.
4. 24X7 Help
In-house DBAs are company employees doing their jobs only during office hours. They do not work weekends and may not be available for emergencies. However, with remote DBAs which are mostly off-shore, the support is available 24X7 owing to well-planned shifts and resource allocation. Clients can feel assured that their data is being monitored 24X7 and there will always be help available, a call away, during emergencies. Remote DBAs provide a level of flexibility which cannot be compared to any in-house resource.
5. Consistency & Continuity
Despite being based on hard science; data base management is an art and often a reflection of the person managing it. Thus, when in-house managers change jobs, there is a visible gap and possible inconsistency noticed when a new resource takes over. The knowledge transfer takes time and companies also must accommodate for adjustment errors and slip-ups. However, remote DBAs are trained to follow professional templates and standard operating procedures. They are perfectly aligned with and updated on the approach which is undertaken by the DBA service providing company while managing client data. Thus, in case the DBA who is in-charge quits, then the transition is as smooth as it can be, ensuring consistency and continuity.
6. Customized Services
When companies hire in-house DBA, they must go with the whole ‘package’ which means, paying for skill-sets that the DBA brings in but which may not be used in the current data base structure. Further, at varied points of time, the company may need additional skill-sets which the hired expert may not have.
However, when clients engage in remote DBA services, they can avail a variety of customer friendly packages which meet their varied requirements and opt out of other that don’t. It’s the most efficient way to utilize financial resources and get the most out of DBA investments.
To summarize while in-house DBAs might seem like an easier route, remote DBAs come with host of benefit in terms of cost, expertise, customized services, consistency and 24X7 availability. Thus, it makes for a smarter choice to choose remote DBAs to address your business’s database management needs.