Between 2008 and 2009, with the maturity and widespread application of Oracle Database 10g, as well as the improvement and promotion of Oracle Database 11g, Oracle Corporation began to redefine the term DBA (Database Administrator) and further introduced the concept of DBA 2.0. Of course, DBA 2.0 is not just a concept; it is also a summary and elevation of our long-term thinking. So what exactly is DBA 2.0?
Reflecting on the history of the DBA profession, from its birth, development, to maturity, the time span has been remarkably short. Around the year 2000, the number of people working as DBAs was still very small. By 2008 and 2009, the DBA community had grown significantly, to the point where even the traditional concept of a DBA required reform due to the rapid evolution of the field. This industry's growth and change have been so swift that we even organized a series of university lecture tours, themed around how to become an Oracle DBA. Similar activities have further introduced the term DBA into campuses (Oracle Corporation has been promoting OCP certification in universities). Students today are exposed to the concept of DBA much earlier than we could have imagined back then (many can join the DBA ranks right after graduation).
Many industry friends have asked themselves this question: With the increasing automation of database software, its widespread use, and its growing simplicity, how should DBAs make a living? In fact, this is precisely the issue we face in the DBA 2.0 era.
The introduction of DBA 2.0 is directly related to a new product feature introduced with Oracle Database 10g: Grid/Database Control. This tool presents the previously client-based OEM via a web interface and, supported by various backend features, provides powerful functionalities. Through this tool, issues such as SQL tracking and performance problems that were once addressed using SQL tools can now be clearly and quickly displayed and located through the web interface of the new version of Database Control. The automatic database diagnostic monitor (Automatic Database Diagnostic Monitor, ADDM) can automatically diagnose database issues and provide suggestions for adjustments and optimizations. Many customers feel that Database Control simplifies the management and monitoring of databases, improves work efficiency, and brings about changes in such a straightforward manner.
On the traditional database level, the self-management and self-protection capabilities of databases are continuously improving. Database Control helps us better monitor and manage databases, while AWR (Automatic Workload Repository) enables databases to perform automatic performance analysis and diagnosis based on AWR information. SQLAdvisor and SPM (SQL Plan Management) help us adjust SQL queries and provide recommendations. Overall, Oracle tends to describe new database features as products with proactive characteristics—products that can independently and actively identify database issues and propose optimization and solutions. These functions have been further developed in Oracle Database 11g. In fact, the word "proactive" is precisely the quality that DBAs in the 2.0 era should possess. An excellent DBA, especially in the increasingly sophisticated era of databases, should exhibit more initiative, foresight, and the ability to plan and anticipate system needs, addressing potential errors or failures before they occur, thereby enhancing the stability of the database environment. Furthermore, a DBA in the 2.0 era should be able to think from the perspective of enterprise development and strategize more reasonable data management methods and more effective data usage strategies, not only saving investment for the company but also creating more value. The scope for DBAs to contribute is far broader than this!
However, things are not so simple. While Oracle continues to enhance the automation of database software, it also incorporates more knowledge and technology into the realm of databases. This, in fact, broadens the content that DBAs need to understand. For instance, the introduction of Automated Storage Management (ASM) requires DBAs to delve deeper into storage management and maintenance. The introduction of cluster software (Clusterware) necessitates that DBAs gain a deep understanding of and maintain Cluster software. If we include Oracle's OEL (Oracle Enterprise Linux) and the Exadata and HP Oracle Database Machine launched in 2008, then now, both the host, operating system, and OS require Oracle DBAs to deeply engage and understand them. In 2009, Oracle acquired SUN and subsequently launched Exadata V2 and the OLTP Database Machine. Now, Oracle can provide comprehensive solutions based on hosts, storage, and even MYSQL. All these developments present DBAs with new challenges.
In summary, at the traditional database level, Oracle continues to strengthen automated management, enhancing the self-management capabilities of databases, reducing user intervention and workload. Beyond the database, DBAs need to extend their expertise into systems, storage, and even network domains. On the front end, DBAs must continue to expand into the application layer. Based on experience, continuously extending into applications and business areas is a significant trend in the development of the DBA profession. The mission of DBA 2.0 can be roughly summarized as: beyond the continuous refinement of database management work, extending into broader system levels, including applications (Application), systems (System), storage (Storage), networks (Network), architectures (Architecture), providing enterprises with deeper architectural and decision support, promoting enterprises toward a more comprehensive and reasonable sustainable IT architecture direction. In the past, many DBAs transitioned from development roles; now, DBAs returning to development will bring higher value realization for both enterprises and individuals.
Since DBA 2.0 represents participation in a wider range of aspects and deeper knowledge, Oracle has been continuously strengthening its own products to reduce the complexity of DBA work and enhance the stability and reliability of databases. In fact, through continuous acquisitions and long-term strategic planning, Oracle has built a full series of DBA-assisting tools and products centered around databases.
For example, Oracle recently promoted the Real User Experience Insight product, a software used for comprehensive monitoring of actual system performance to ensure that the performance of WEB-based applications meets desired levels. It analyzes and notifies when performance does not meet expectations and provides software for users to take relevant actions. From page request to request return, all process responses are recorded for early warning and evaluation.
This is Oracle's software in the application monitoring area, which is actually moving towards the front end, application layer, and network layer—a part of Oracle's expansion strategy.
The Oracle Enterprise Manager product is a significant enhancement at the database level, continuously demonstrating Oracle’s commitment to strengthening its product capabilities at this level.
Original article from Anhui Server Data Recovery Center: http://www.ahserver.com/plus/view-82-1.html