There are many different toolkits available today for DBAs to help with their day-to-day tasks and the smooth running of a business’s servers.
But, even though database solutions have steadily become more available and easier to implement, and the fact that they provide DBAs with powerful tools, some organisations are reluctant to spend money on adopting them.
At dbWatch, we believe that database monitoring and management tools are vitalfor any DBA tasked with handling corporate server farms. Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the disadvantages that come with shunning the latest in database management software:
Lower Staff Productivity
The automation and monitoring tools available today in modern database tools can go a long way to improving productivity in any DBA team, and you could be missing out on this by not adopting the right tools.
From automating routine maintenance tasks, to establishing real-time alerts and monitoring and report production, modern tools can save DBAs a lot of time each day by cutting the time needed for routine work.
Reducing the time spent on this sort of work frees up DBAs to focus their attention on more pressing issues, allowing them to work on initiatives that benefit your organisation rather than simply tackling repetitive tasks.
Higher Operating Costs
Having staff dedicate a significant portion of their day to tasks which could, with the help of tools, be automated means that you may be spending more than you need on staff wages as more employees are required to get the work done. Also, by not taking on other potentially more important tasks, you could be neglecting jobs that are crucial to the rest of your business.
Many IT department managers object to the cost of adopting new tools, but, in our experience, they often overstate the adoption costs and ignore the expenses associated with the alternatives. In fact, making use of new database tools can even save an organisation money.
Adopting a suite of tools that work with any number of instance across any platform removes the need to purchase new tools and train staff on multiple different platforms. Tools can also be used to monitor software licensing requirements, saving you money on things like accidental Oracle licensing issues.
Database monitoring solutions can also help with optimising resource usage and system performance. Access to in-depth overviews and insight allows you to monitor resource usage and trends over time, giving you the ability to make informed and cost-effective decisions about your future plans. Management tools can then help you to quickly implement any changes you need.
Increased Disaster Risk
Database-related disasters can be extremely costly to organisations - from service outages that affect customers and staff through to data breaches with wide-ranging financial and legal implications.
Modern database tools provide DBAs with the means to mitigate the risk of these disasters, in addition to promoting the overall better performance of your database systems. And, through the use of automated maintenance, your systems can be kept fully tuned and optimised.
With access to on-demand information and reports, your DBAs and management will be able to identify any upcoming issues well in advance of them becoming critical and take appropriate action. Access to accurate information also enables DBAs to utilise resources better, giving them the ability to act in advance of a disaster to prevent any serious damage.
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Despite the cost, database management solutions provide DBAs with powerful tools, without which their jobs would be much harder.
With access to time-saving automation, cost-cutting measures, and the ability to dodge potential disasters, these tools can revolutionise the way your IT department works.
