The Future is Cloud Database: What every Oracle Remote DBA Expert Should Know

With each growing day, the cloud is getting more complicated and crowded. The number of new ‘as a service’ packages being introduced is overwhelming. You have probably heard of Data as a Service (DaaS) and Database as a Service (DBaaS). Well, the latter is set to revolutionise the entire IT industry. As expected, Larry Elson, the CTO of Oracle had already seen this coming and made predictions in the process. ‘Database is our largest software business and database will be our largest cloud businesses’, he said. What does this mean to Oracle remote DBA experts? What does the future hold for this group of database professionals? It might as well be the ideal time to know.

More Businesses

DBaaS comes with the possibility of the entire database being visible online. With this, the user will be able to access a schema or the complete dedicated database depending on his preference. For companies, this is a new opportunity of amassing more data in a faster and convenient way. With most of the processes being automated, there would be little need for full time database administrators to handle the same. That is where remote DBAs handling Oracle get in. With cloud computing, there would be minimal need for traditional database strategies being implemented by permanent employees on a daily basis.

The market is bound to get bigger with each growing year, meaning more profits to people who are well braced for it. One source estimated the market for this software to grow to almost $14 billion in the next three years.

Corporate Data Centers are here to stay

For remote database experts who might not be well versed incloud computing, you might have started doubting your relevance in the next couple of years. With DBaaS promising better speed of deployment, scalability, and unmatchable agility, you might as well be thinking you will be out of business in a few years. Your worries might be valid but the hard fact still remains; the corporate data center is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Several companies are seen to take a hybrid approach in which certain forms of database will be moved to the cloud while others will remain at the center. That might limit your work but not rule it out entirely. As noted by Oracle Executive Vice President for Database Server, Andy Mendelsohn, many clients prefer running important database systems in dedicated servers while facilitating their storage at physical data centers. Databases containing bank information of customers are more likely to remain in data centers because of their critical role. Worth noting, that does not rule out the effectiveness of cloud storage on essential components. Many companies will be using cloud systems for data related to testing new products and those involving development of new applications. At the end of the day, remote database administration will still be critical.

The Ultimate Game changer

Unless you have buried yourself in COBOL programmes for the past couple of years, you must have heard the varied benefits that cloud is promising. Ranging from faster deployment, lesser costs and increased competence, the list is endless. As many have already put it, it is bound to be the ultimate game changer in the highly revolutionized world of information technology. For the remote DBAs who know how to smooch the noses into the new technology, the future might be as bright if not promising than ever before. For other remote Oracle Database administrators, you might as well want to convince some of your clients to move their databases to cloud. It might sound like a good idea because of the possible reduction in workload. However, certain aspects need to be considered before ever embracing such an idea.

Be Vigilant on Security

Before moving your client’s database to the cloud, you need to have an idea of the security basics. Is there maximum provision of security by the cloud provider? How regular will the update be or is that going to remain the sole responsibility of your firm? Before taking any step, you need to understand your role in cloud security because failure to do so might as well result to great catastrophes. Most definitely, the role of database backup needs to be on top of your agenda even as you decide to move your client’s data to the cloud. You have to decide whether the backup will be at the same place as the primary data centre or possible change of location. Cloud might be promising a better future for your clients, but leaping before carrying out extensive research might result in nothing short of catastrophic outcome.

Latency

For cloud databases, latency has never stopped being an issue. Once in a while, companies having internal applications tend to have latency issues. The reason is way too obvious; the stored data in the cloud is at times moved to a geographical location that is far from their local data centre. As such, it is worth checking that regardless of the latency added, there wouldn’t be any adverse negative effects on the availability of cloud data services. In case of any issues, you must be assured of constant support. This way, you will be able to maintain good customer relations with your customers. Other factors such as costs and possible effects on your career are also worth considering.

Brace Yourself for Changes

At the end of it all, the cloud database is on the move, whether we appreciate the fact or not. Denying the fact and burying yourself in traditional Oracle Remote DBA expert role might only hurt your profession. Bracing yourself for the race ahead and knowing what is expected of you is critical. Most importantly, you need to have an idea of what might be in store for you so that when it finally comes crumbling, you will be well prepared to handle it. It is never too late to better yourself, remember?