August 21, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Hi,
I have an opportunity to work as a SQL Server DBA. Right i am now a dotnet developer.
Is SQL Server dba a good career especially in 2011? I see NOSQL databases emerging in the market
and will it replace the SQL Server or any RDBMS?
Would there be any reason that I should not take this opportunity?
I am confused can you really help me out?
August 22, 2011 at 1:59 am
Can someone give some idea on this? I am also interested to get some information on this.
Ryan
//All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them//
August 22, 2011 at 2:14 am
Being as SQl DBA is a high paying career . However becoming one is not easy.
I know that right now SQL DBA's are really hot , cause I keep getting calls from agencies almost everyday.
If your just starting out , i would suggest a Certification since it will boost your chances.
Emerging tech are a dime a dozen but only a few actually stick. Databases have been around long enough to prove that its important. The future in databases is secure because things like Hibernate , EF , SQL AZURE , BI all depend on it and require a DBA in then end. The question is how you can keep yourself current and add value in your position as a DBA.
August 22, 2011 at 4:39 am
There's no way to no for sure if any technology will survive for long. However, look at like this. None of the new technologies looks poised to take over relational storage. All the NoSQL products, very fine and good that they are, are niche targeted. They're answering very specific needs whereas relational storage is extremely broad based and flexible. Also, a very healthy chunk of business is running off relational storage and for good or for ill, they won't be able to switch to anything quickly. They may not want to. A lot of businesses here in the US are still happily chugging along on SQL Server 2000 because it works and if it works, why switch. I'd say it's safe bet for the next 10 years, minimum. And during that time, you have to continue to learn and expand your skill set so that when something comes along that completely changes the game, you're ready.
Also, I wouldn't put much into certifications. Most people I know who do interviewing and hiring completely discount certifications. In fact, if I see certifications with no experience, I'm less interested in that person, not more.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt
Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning
August 22, 2011 at 7:44 am
As Grant has mentioned about whether or not NOSQL databases will stay is an unknown. Personally the organisation I work for had implemented a new website using Mongo which is NOSQL and within a few months we have realised very quickly that the lack of support and basic admin functionality is a real headache. So as such we are migrating the data back to a SQL Server environment as we have a worldwide team of 20 DBA's which hundreds of years experienced combined.
The truth is lots or large organisations have heavily invested in SQL Server and Oracle both relational RDBMS and they will continue to do so unless a well supported and fully developed, and probably most importantly cheaper alternative comes along.
It can be a well payed career but that will also depend on who you work for, small companies will want the most out of you for the least amount of money, where as large profitable organisations will pay better.
There are also major differences with some organisations as to whether your a production, development, or BI \ Data Warehouse DBA as the skills do overlap but each area can be very different when it comes to daily duties.
On the highly debateable certifications, I personally have the MCTS and MCITP in DB Admin for both SQL 2005 and SQL 2008, and additionally 13 years experience. I found that without the certs I was passed over for interviews for many posts. I wouldn't say they will get you the job, but sometimes just getting in the front door can be hard enough.
MCITP SQL 2005, MCSA SQL 2012
August 22, 2011 at 7:57 am
I have numerous standing clients and EVERY ONE OF THEM is in desparate need of at least one SQL Server DBA. I routinely get calls/linkedin messages from a bevy of recruiters asking if I am interested or know anyone who is. NoSQL and their ilk are for MASSIVE, NONSTRUCTURED style data storage and processing and thus are clearly a niche market. There are and likely always will be many orders of magnitude more relational installations than there are 'big data' installations.
Being a DBA is, as others said, a difficult field to break into. 2 valid entry methods are a) becoming the first DBA at your business because no one else stepped up or b) taking a job as a junior DBA under a more skilled person. There are virtually no other ways to get into it due to risk to the hiring company if you screw up. Obviously you need to be already knowledgeable through self study before doing either, although the first method is more 'learn on the job'. BTW, I make lots of money off of companies who try the first method and wind up with LOTS of suboptimal/BAD things at their shop. 🙂
Best,
Kevin G. Boles
SQL Server Consultant
SQL MVP 2007-2012
TheSQLGuru on googles mail service
August 22, 2011 at 11:59 am
The replies and the insight into the future is pretty encouraging and clear. I discussed with my friend about the transition from development to DBA and most of them said it is stable, rewarding,exhaustive and challenging. In a nutshell it is better to be on the database side and learning the domain knowledge would even be great.
Krishna.
August 22, 2011 at 1:05 pm
krishnakumar-293737 (8/21/2011)
I have an opportunity to work as a SQL Server DBA. Right i am now a dotnet developer.
Good for you! 🙂
krishnakumar-293737 (8/21/2011)
Is SQL Server dba a good career especially in 2011? I see NOSQL databases emerging in the market and will it replace the SQL Server or any RDBMS?
nah... the future of traditional RDBMS is safe for the time being.
krishnakumar-293737 (8/21/2011)
Would there be any reason that I should not take this opportunity?
Not a single reason to pass the opportunity pops on my mind.
_____________________________________
Pablo (Paul) Berzukov
Author of Understanding Database Administration available at Amazon and other bookstores.
Disclaimer: Advice is provided to the best of my knowledge but no implicit or explicit warranties are provided. Since the advisor explicitly encourages testing any and all suggestions on a test non-production environment advisor should not held liable or responsible for any actions taken based on the given advice.Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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