First Steps to Becoming a DBA

May 20th, 2015

Agenda

What is Most Important?

Do We Need a DBA?

How To Become a DBA?

First Year Plan

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Why A DBA Now?

We’ve gotten this far without one, why now?

• Pain! Data loss, perf issues, security issues

• Application continues to evolve and the db with it

• Moving into areas of complexity – DR, HA, multiple

locations

• Increase in team size, need to silo duties

• As the org grows harder for one person to do all

• Sustainability

Do We Have Enough Work?

• You’re about to staff an expensive position, it’s a valid

question

• There is work that is not getting done because you’re

in survival mode

• There is always more work than you think

• A good job description is important, but realize it will

morph as the org learns and grows

• DBA’s aren’t insurance – they tend a critical system

What Does a DBA Do?

• Applies changes

• Grants access

• Maintenance

• Monitoring

• Performance Tuning

• Coaching

• Guards the data

• Import/export (sometimes)

• Manages Reporting Services, etc

Do We Have a Candidate?

• Someone who is already working with SQL Server

• Show an interest and affinity for data

• Patient & methodical

• Capable of self starting and independent learning

• Interested in the role

• Not a critical loss to the team

• Can let go of their old role

• Likely to stay with company as skills grow

Becoming The Candidate

• Know how to install, patch, backup, restore

• Start reading MSSQLTips and SQLServerCentral

every day

• Learn how security works in SQL Server

• Learn how to apply changes using scripts and how to

roll them back later if something goes wrong

• Go to any SQL Server event/training you can

• Take the MS SQL Exams

You Got the Job, Now What?

• Backups and backup to tape are critical, job one

• Schedule and communicate a time to change the SA

password, review all sysadmin level access

• Go slow. Really slow. It’s incredibly easy to miss a side

affect and that won’t help you build cred

• Don’t say no. Ask why. Explain why you’re asking or

your preferred option. Consider “no” as a last resort

• Work on finding ways to help, not hinder

DBA’s plan forthe worst and hope for better!

You Need Tools

• Make the case while you’re interviewing. The job is

more than just your salary, you need first class tools

• You need a monitoring solution – don’t roll your own

(lots of options, but do take a look at

Idera Diagnostic Manager)

• You need a database comparison tool

• Leverage freeware. Look at SQL Backup Status

Reporter as a great example

First Year Plan

• Build cred with your internal customers

• Solid maintenance and monitoring solutions in place

• Controlled flow of changes

• Document recurring tasks

• Everything current on patches

• Learn something new every day

Questions?

Contact Andy

• @SQLAndy on Twitter

• Linkedin.com/in/sqlandy

www.idera.com

Download any of our free tools!