DBA911:  Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

by Dee Tumlos

What services does DBA911 offer? DBA911 is a managed service aimed at pro-actively monitoring and maintaining database systems, minimizing, if not eliminating, database-related problems.  Our time-tested database administration methodology consists of best practices for services such as database profiling, performance tuning, installation, migration and upgrades, development of backup and recovery strategies, capacity planning, and database security audit.

 What are the benefits of DBA911? Prioritize resource investment on your core competencies and let the experts address your database administration (DBA) requirements.  Without hiring additional manpower, allotting time for training, expanding office space and worrying on workforce and system glitches, you can focus on your business and be assured that your database works efficiently.

Less downtime and emergency situations.  Since DBA911 is a proactive service, emergency situations are minimized.  Our experts not only maintain your databases through regular, pre-scheduled health checks but also forecast possible problems.  Should an emergency happen, our DBAs  are available to work with you anytime of the day to solve the problem at the soonest time possible.

Up-to-date information and knowledge.  Our DBA911 pool includes certified professionals who are at the forefront of the latest technologies in database administration and management.  We constantly test the newest trends and evaluate which emerging technologies can bring maximum advantage to us and to our clients.

Is DBA911 an emergency service that I can contact when the need comes up?   As the "911" moniker implies, part of DBA911's objective is guaranteeing our availability to respond to emergency situations that require our services.  However, DBA911 is not just an emergency service per se.  It is a managed service that will ensure optimal performance and availability of your database systems.  Our aim is to thoroughly monitor your database regularly - through scheduled check-ups, incident reporting, and onsite visits by highly experienced professionals.  Our proactive approach will allow us to anticipate potential problems and enable us to make plans to address them even before they occur.  With our proven methodology, administration becomes a fire-prevention activity rather than firefighting giving you more time for productive activities.

 Can I avail of DBA911 24x7?  Definitely!  We completely understand that your operations rely heavily on databases running mission-critical applications on a 24x7 basis.  You need constant monitoring to keep the databases at optimal performance levels and at the same time you require immediate response in case of emergency.  With DBA911, a support hotline is given exclusively to DBA911 clients for those "I have a question..." or "I need help..." situations.  In addition to this, we always assign two dedicated consultants serving as your primary and backup consultants to proactively monitor and maintain your databases.

 Do I need to enroll my database(s) under DBA911 in order to avail of emergency DBA services?   No. Companies that need emergency database administration services can just give us a call.  Aside from DBA911, SQL*Wizard offers DBA services on a time-and-material basis.  Our DBA911 consultants are highly experienced in managing projects that are database-centric, troubleshooting performance bottlenecks, and performing disaster recovery.  We also pride ourselves with value-add expert knowledge in several industries.   

What is the difference between DBA911 and getting DBA services on an ad hoc basis?   Imagine a whole team of DBAs backing up your existing DBA team.  Or if you don't have fulltime DBAs, imagine a whole pool of DBAs without the high cost associated with hiring them.  Our talent pool consists of certified professionals trained to handle database operations using various tools and techniques developed from years of field experience.  We bring to the table impressive track records for rendering services to market-leader clients in various industries - from energy, transportation, telecommunications, insurance, banking, education and more.

How can DBA911 complement and train my existing staff?  One of the services of DBA911 is mentoring.  Our database professionals enjoy working with other people, teaching and sharing their knowledge.  We make it a point to continuously update ourselves with emerging technologies so that we can pass on its benefits to our clients.

Who will handle my requirements?   For every client, we always assign one primary and one backup consultant to be your points of contact.  The primary consultant will be the designated contact person regarding any activities covering DBA911.  Monitoring, problem resolution and discussions regarding your issues, directions and questions may be shared by other DBA911 team members.  DBA911 is a pool of competent professionals who are experts in database management and application development.  This set-up facilitates swift response and resolution  of your concerns.

How will I know DBA911 is working for me?  DBA911 is a proactive approach to database management that prepares you even before problems occur.  In addition, we will provide value-added services like phone support and regular reports.

 DBA911 offers four types of reports that will represent the extent and depth of our monitoring activities. 

   -  The Database Profile is the complete diagnostic record of your databases,   which will help both your  company and our DBA911 experts to better understand the history of your database system.

  -   The Onsite Visit Report will contain each activity undertaken by our administrators to accommodate your needs  during onsite visits.

-     The Incident Report will contain the activities undertaken by our DBAs for all incidents reported through the telephone.

-     The Monthly Management  Summary   is a report that  lists all significant activities mentioned in the Onsite Visit Report and Incident Report.

 DBA911 maintains the highest standard of excellence in performing our duties by following a proven methodology:  Analysis, Strategy, and Implementation.  We follow the strictest guidelines to ensure the quality of our work.

Isn't DBA911 a redundant function if we already have in-house Administrators?  The philosophy of DBA911 is to always complement and enhance the current operations of the company.  If a client has an existing DBA, we can help out in several ways like performing check and balance procedures, initiating and enhancing existing   procedures and  policies, and mentoring, to name a few.  If a client does not have a DBA, then our methodology is to take over the functions and ensure smooth operations for the company.

The objective is to both lead and mentor or to be the backup DBA.  Any which way, this will free up your DBA's time and make him/her focus more on business development and planning, or ramp up your novice administrators. 

DBA911 is very flexible.  Whatever the client's objective is, DBA911 will support and service the client accordingly.

Who needs DBA911?  Companies who:

  -   have database systems but do not have database  administrators and do not foresee the need for  a fulltime one.

 -   have administrators who requires mentoring and support during emergency situations.

 -   have an   administrator but requires someone to serve as  a  backup  and  to  do  an   audit   of   the   existing processes in place.

 -   want  their  databases  to  be  always   protected   and perform at optimum levels.

 -   want to have someone to call during times of  database emergency.

For more questions, email us at info@sqlwizard.com or call us at 8896999