Database Administration: Proactive or Reactive?
Being proactive can prevent many application related issues. When it comes to database performance, enterprises these days are looking for tools that can find potential vulnerabilities and threats. We will discuss the possibility of taking precautions concerning database administration.
However, first, we need to understand that a significant part of the database performance relies on the tuning. Tuning is the process of optimizing database throughput, and it can be either as a Reactive Approach and or a Proactive approach.
Proactive Database Tuning
Proactive tuning is a strategy wherein different combinations are created using multiple selections of hardware, capacity, and settings. As the name suggests, this type requires the DBMS administrator to devise processes for optimal results proactively. On the other hand, reactive tuning follows a bottom-up approach relying heavily on a defined architecture. The main aim of reactive tuning is troubleshooting in a bid to make the system run faster, clearing out any hurdles on the way.
However, with the database performance tuning relying on many new features releasing at a faster pace, the modern day DBMS administrators while sticking to the basics need to innovate on the go proactively. Being reactive is essential but being proactive is a necessity.
Administrative challenges
It is easier said than done as many challenges stand in the way of even the best administrators. A significant problem which occurs on a daily basis for database administrators is the critical importance of a process relying solely on a database. This implies much downtime is a big no, and hence, the DBAs have to be ready with an answer even before the question is asked. A reactive approach will not only need more resources but more time whereas the being proactive is the only way to minimize the downtime and increase the throughput.
As the organizations continue to release new databases, it is essential to develop tools which enhance performance and give a clear insight into the metrics. This understanding of the database helps simplify the effects of increased data volume rather than adding up to the work of the DBA responsible.
With increased databases, comes more responsibility which in turn might affect productivity. However, to prevent that, productivity tools have been developed and are updated continuously to automate the routines tasks and collection of data. These productivity tools are essential for any proactive DBA.
Cornerstones of Database Management
The Criticality of the execution, Complexity of the data involved and enhanced productivity are the three significant challenges which are faced by any DBA. While these might seem routine, any organization aiming to expand their databases with optimum output need to understand the importance of a proactive approach for database performance tuning.
Gone are the days when a DBA had the comfort of looking for bottlenecks, devising a plan and getting the system back on track. With the modern-day enhancements and the increasing importance of DBMS systems on the entire functioning of the organizations, proactiveness is the key to successful Database performance. Moreover, through the proactive approach, one can not only prevent problems and accelerate their resolution but also maximize the output from their hardware resources while reducing the risk of damage or loss during the change.
Leaping a reactive to proactive database performance approach is a wise choice leading to an efficient throughput in the long run.
At OptimizDBA, we have the expertise to proactively solve database challenges so that organizations are ready for scaling to the next level without any impact on the application performance. Contact us to know more on how we can help you. We have 17 years of database optimization.