Database Platform Team

Supported Database Software

• Oracle

• MS SQL

• Postgres

• Mongo

• MariaDB/MySQL

A database platform team’s (DPT) primary job is to ensure that data is available, protected from loss and corruption, and easily accessible as needed. Below are some of the chief responsibilities that make up the day-to-day work of the DPT.

The DPT service within ITC can provide support for the database platforms listed above. While the toolset may differ, whether a database resides on-premise or in AWS or Azure Cloud, the role of the DPT is not that different.

1. Database Lifecycle Management

We collaborate with other teams on the initial installation and configuration of a new database. The infrastructure engineer deploys the VM or Container and installs the database software for use. As updates and patches are required, the DPT handles this ongoing maintenance. If a replacement server is needed, the DPT handles the transfer of data from the existing system to the new platform.

The DPT will maintain current version standards and provide this information for future planning purposes.

2. Database Backup and Recovery

The DPT will create backup and recovery plans for the database based on best practices and current standards. The DPT will monitor and maintain all database backups on a regular basis as defined in the backup plan. They will also work with each team to test and verify the reliability of the backups.

In the case of a server failure or other forms of data loss, the DPT will use existing backups to restore lost information to the system.

3. Security

In the case of a security breach or irregularity, the DPT will work with the other IT teams to review database logs as part of a major incident response plan. Audit logs will also be important when working with regulated data.

The DPT will monitor for and implement vendor-supplied security patches on a scheduled basis. Each database vendor will have different patch release schedules, so it will be important for the DPT to properly communicate in advance the timing of these updates.

4. Database Access

Setting up employee access is an important aspect of database security. DPTs control who has access and what type of access they are allowed. For instance, a user may have permission to see only certain pieces of information, or they may be denied the ability to make changes to the system.

Application support teams will have full dba level access to the database to install and maintain their applications as authorized by the application owner.

5. Capacity Planning

The DPT will monitor aspects of the containers or server infrastructure to ensure adequate resources are allocated for the needs of the application. For example, areas such as storage will be allocated depending on how large the database currently is and how fast it is growing in order to ensure the availability of the application.

6. Performance Monitoring

Monitoring databases for performance issues is part of the ongoing system maintenance a DPT performs. If some part of the system is slowing down processing, the DPT may need to make configuration changes to the software or add additional hardware capacity.

7. Database Tuning

Performance monitoring shows where the database should be tweaked to operate as efficiently as possible. The physical configuration, the way the database is indexed, and how queries are handled can all have a dramatic effect on database performance.

The DPT will ensure that effective monitoring is in place in order to proactively tune a system based on application and usage instead of waiting until a problem develops.

8. Troubleshooting

DPTs are available for troubleshooting in case of any problems. Whether they need to quickly restore lost data or correct an issue to minimize damage, a DPT needs to quickly understand and respond to problems when they occur.