Database Consulting - Do You Need It and Which Option to Choose?

When you are at the helm of a rapidly growing business, there will inevitably come a time when a dedicated database administrator is required for various reasons. While there are a number of ways of accessing the expertise, each of these routes has its own advantages and disadvantages and you need to get a proper fix on the issue, especially when the database size and needs are bound to change over time. 

Hiring a Database Administrator 

Like any other profession, database administrators come with a variety of skills and experience, and as can be imagined, the better one will cost more. Because you will be putting them on your company rolls, you will also have to reckon with the cost of the benefits, taxes, as well as allow leave and days off. The advantage of hiring a resource is that the person will be dedicated to your business, and become a part of your team. Hiring a DBA works the best when you require the expert resource over a long period, not to fix a problem immediately. You will also need to live with a possibility that the employee may leave for better prospects elsewhere taking you back to where you were.

On-Site DBA Services

If you don’t want the hassle of recruiting or training your own resources, you can consider engaging a provider of on-site DBA services. Usually, you will be able to call them on demand as well as engage them on an hourly basis or for developing and implementing an IT project. The advantage is that you will get the service at your business premises at a very cost-effective price for the short-term when compared to having your own in-house resources.However, any specific skills and knowledge that they acquire will also be lost when their services are terminated. 

DBA Provided by Vendor

When you invest in a complex database, it is normal for the vendor to offer support services. In the initial period, this might be on-site but with the client becoming familiar, it normally shifts to remote administration. This type of support comes in very handy when your business is migrating to a new database, however, the service package can be quite costly and restrictive in its scope.

Remote DBA Services

Engaging remote DBA services is increasingly becoming popular as it enables businesses to access a wider range of skills and expertise at a more reasonable cost. Generally, you will get round-the-clock support including database performance monitoring and tuning, backup and recovery planning, disaster management services, regular MIS, and consultation on upgrades and implementation. With remote DBA, the in-house team can devote itself to new developmental activities. Because of the non-exclusive arrangement, remote DBA services are cheaper in the long run.

Conclusion

The sort of DBA service that you opt for should be based on a realistic evaluation of your IT environment and your in-house competence. Irrespective of the route you chose, your decisions should always be based on how you can make the business grow and handle challenges in the fiercely competitive environment.