72 pc DBAs manage two types of database platforms

SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Managing multiple database platforms has become the norm rather than an exception for database administrators (DBAs).

A new Database Trends Survey that shows 72 percent of DBAs manage at least two types of database management systems. Of those surveyed, 20 percent reported managing one database platform, 33 percent said they manage two, 25 percent said three, 8 percent said four, and 14 percent said they manage five or more.

Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle were cited as the most common database platforms, with 62 percent of respondents working with SQL Server and 60 percent with Oracle. Third on the list was Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise with 35 percent , and Microsoft Access earned 19 percent . Oracle ranked tops as the database platform that respondents work with primarily.

Multiple Databases and Multiple Versions

Exacerbating the multi-platform database situation is that most DBAs are also tasked with managing multiple versions of a database, adding another layer of complexity to their responsibilities and creating more room for error. According to the survey, 69 percent manage more than one version of the same database and, of those that do, 51 percent said they manage three or more versions of the same database platform.

“Each database platform and version has its own features and functionality, and keeping them all straight can be a monumental task for DBAs,” said Scott Walz, senior director of product management for Embarcadero. “Multi-platform database management is becoming more commonplace, but that doesn’t mean it’s getting less complicated.”

DBA Challenge No. 1

Although the vast majority of DBAs said they are proficient with more than one database platform, they believe the variables of multi-platform environments will put their skills to the test. When asked to name the single biggest database-related challenge facing them in the next year, the greatest number of respondents said cross-platform database management. Multi-instance databases and tuning tied for second place, followed by database management in third.

The M&A Effect

Mergers and acquisitions may be partly to blame for the increase of heterogeneous database environments and the new batch of problems they bring for DBAs. When asked if their company has gone through a merger or acquisition in the past five years, 43 percent responded yes. Of those, 18 percent reported that they had to begin working with new or additional database platforms as a result.

Whether it is through a company acquisition or a newly introduced application, nearly one-third of respondents expect more database platforms to be introduced into their organizations in the next year.

The study, conducted in summer 2010 by Embarcadero Technologies, was designed to uncover the challenges faced by database professionals and trends influencing the industry.