May 27, 2013 at 8:10 am
Hi All,
I hear “Functional DBA”, I search in Google to know exact meaning for it and found that “A functional DBA is a technical professional who understands his role in the enterprise, but also appreciates that ultimately he works for the business" refer from https://forums.oracle.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=2136858
I found lot of functional DBA in Oracle but not found/hear in MS SQL. why?
I am having good work experience in Domain i.e. - Finance & Accounts, Material Management and Internals of Automobiles manufacturing industry. So what is the path in SQL to become functional SQL DBA? My domain knowledge is encouraging me to become functional DBA, so what is the scoop in SQL Server?
Please suggest, I will be thankful to u.
Thanks,
Ramdas Singh
MCDBA, MCITP - Database Administration
Ram
MSSQL DBA
May 27, 2013 at 8:22 am
Is it mean Functional DBA = Production DBA + Database Developer + Business/Domain Knowledge
?
Ram
MSSQL DBA
May 28, 2013 at 12:16 pm
That's a new term to me. I've never heard it before.
Doing a few searches, I don't think it's any kind of industry standard term, but one that is used either regionally or within a particular skill set. Most of the results suggested that it was something more likely associated with Oracle.
It's not a term I would use. In general I talk about database administrators and database developers, which mean about what you'd expect. These are the generally used terms. You can be senior, mid-level, or junior in either of these positions. You may also be an architect level person. That's usually someone who has gone a little above & beyond either of these two general roles. There are other roles, specialties usually, that you may see, report writer, data miner, ETL or SSIS expert.
But that term, nope.
"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
May 28, 2013 at 1:56 pm
There are two types of DBAs....those who know what 'should' be done and those who know what 'has' to be done. They aren't the same thing. For example....a DBA knows that developers 'should' not be given SA permissions on a database. However, a DBR knows that sometimes business rules require developers be given SA permissions. The first DBA, who won't give developers SA permission no matter what, is not a Functional DBA.....they can't function within the business. The second DBA is a Functional DBA, they realize that while they are being requested/required to do something that is not a best-practice, for the business to function the 'rule' has to be broken/ignored to make the business function. This DBA will also put in auditing/ruiles/etc so they can monitor and keep track of any mis-use when the 'rules' are relaxed/broken.
So...are you a DBA that knows when rules are meant to be 'bent' to allow a business to function? Or are you a DBA that sticks to the best-practice rules even if it will hamper the business?
-SQLBill
May 28, 2013 at 9:13 pm
SQLBill (5/28/2013)
There are two types of DBAs....those who know what 'should' be done and those who know what 'has' to be done. They aren't the same thing. For example....a DBA knows that developers 'should' not be given SA permissions on a database. However, a DBR knows that sometimes business rules require developers be given SA permissions. The first DBA, who won't give developers SA permission no matter what, is not a Functional DBA.....they can't function within the business. The second DBA is a Functional DBA, they realize that while they are being requested/required to do something that is not a best-practice, for the business to function the 'rule' has to be broken/ignored to make the business function. This DBA will also put in auditing/ruiles/etc so they can monitor and keep track of any mis-use when the 'rules' are relaxed/broken.So...are you a DBA that knows when rules are meant to be 'bent' to allow a business to function? Or are you a DBA that sticks to the best-practice rules even if it will hamper the business?
-SQLBill
I guess I'm a DBA, not a DBR, because every time I've given or been forced to give, 'sa' privs to developers, I've regretted it later. Simple policy now is, why? Why do you need to be able to manipulate the system at that level? If it's a valid reason, we'll find a better way to do it. If it's not a valid reason, the answer is no.
Here's my question back to you. Who has the responsibility to clean up any messes created? Meaning, if I give the developer 'sa', do they also get a phone that will alert them when the server is offline at 3AM so they can go and fix it? If not, then no way do they get that permission. If I have the responsibility, then I'm also taking the power.
"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
May 28, 2013 at 11:57 pm
I think Functional DBA came in picture when the Oracle released Enterprises Line of Business Applications like Oracle Financial Suite. Proper functioning the this big application an Oracle DBA is required along with Financial Process knowledge so that he can manage Database of this application as well maintain database & Business rules in perspective of business.
That's why Functional DBA term is seen in Oracle not in Microsoft SQL. If future I hope we will see Functional DBA in Microsoft also because Microsoft is also having enterprise line of business applications in the category of Microsoft Dynamic like CRM, ERP, AX etc.
Ram
MSSQL DBA
May 29, 2013 at 5:56 am
Ramdas likely has the correct interpretation given the Oracle forum, but even a casual search of the term shows a wide variety of "definitions".
Frankly, when I saw the topic header what immediately popped into my head was something akin to "accidental DBA" in the sense of someone who isn't (or wasn't) necessarily a DBA by trade but is now "functioning" in the role because they're good with data and their company can't afford/doesn't want to hire a career DBA.
____________
Just my $0.02 from over here in the cheap seats of the peanut gallery - please adjust for inflation and/or your local currency.
May 29, 2013 at 11:15 am
I guess I'm a DBA, not a DBR, .
Oops that DBR was a typo...should have been DBA. I was using an example which happened to me at one point in my career. I got it well documented as to what my concerns were and made sure I had a document from the higher up that they were aware of my concerns but still wanted the permission granted. When the person 'screwed things up', they tried to say they didn't have the permissions to do what I claimed they did. I reminded them they were SA and had monitoring that showed they were the one at the time as SA and did the 'screw up'. I got a bonus from management for fixing the issue and they immediately had me revoke the permissions.
While that example was extreme, the point is that sometimes we have to go against the best practice so the business can function. There are some DBAs that stick to their rules regardless if there is a business need to make an exception - those DBAs I wouldn't consider 'functional'....then there are the DBAs that realize to make business function you have to make exceptions at times. But those exceptions need to be documented and monitored.
-SQLBill
May 29, 2013 at 12:07 pm
A "Functional DBA" is one that simply hasn't had too much of his own beer to drink. 😛
--Jeff Moden
Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.
May 29, 2013 at 12:59 pm
Are there Non-Functional DBAs?
May 29, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Michael Valentine Jones (5/29/2013)
Are there Non-Functional DBAs?
Yes, but the one I have in mind hasn't posted here in a while and I'm afraid to invoke his name.
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May 29, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Michael Valentine Jones (5/29/2013)
Are there Non-Functional DBAs?
I've met a few during my time, yes.
"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
May 30, 2013 at 9:13 am
Michael Valentine Jones (5/29/2013)
Are there Non-Functional DBAs?
Absolutely! I worked with a DBA once who was non-functional. We had an issue with the amount of data in a database. Our backup to tape process (across a network) was taking over 24 hours. The other DBA told the business group they were saving too much data and needed to delete some data so the backup would take less than 24 hours. The business rule was to keep 7 years of data, which is all they had in the database. DBA1 kept telling them they had to delete data and keep less than 7 years worth. I pointed out to the group that they had other options, since the amount of data they had should be able to be backed up in less than 24 hours....buy a backup system (drives or tapes) that could be connected directly to the server instead of going over the network, allow a Full Backup over the weekend and differentials the rest of the week (a business rule required full backups daily), or accept they won't have backups daily.
I would consider the other DBA non-functional.....they couldn't see any other solution and it was basically their way or no way - regardless of how it affected the business. They didn't care what the business required, they only cared about being able to get their job done.
As I said before, a Functional DBA can be defined (in my opinion) as one who can operate in a way that keeps the business functioning successfully. We as DBAs have to understand not only SQL Server Best Practices, but also the needs of the business. Sometimes, the needs of the business have to over-rule the Best Practices.
-SQLBill
May 30, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Jeff Moden (5/29/2013)
A "Functional DBA" is one that simply hasn't had too much of his own beer to drink. 😛
Are you suggesting I am dysfunctional ? 😀
May 30, 2013 at 12:49 pm
Functional means he or she isn't brain dead......yet.
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