Database Administration

A database is a collection of information organized in such a way that it can be used for rapid search and retrieval. Database management systems (DBMS) are the software foundations on which Georgia State's primary administrative applications are built. Database Administration involves the definition, organization, protection, and efficiency of Georgia State's administrative DBMS.

The DBA team is made up of six professional who install and maintain DBMS software and associated tools. The following tasks are specific to our team:

• We install and upgrade purchased application software, such as SCT Banner (GoSOLAR) and PeopleSoft Financials (Spectrum).
• We define and maintain physical databases.
• We monitor database performance, content, and growth; then, we proactively tune the databases.
• We are responsible for all aspects of the databases and associated interfaces (application/web servers), including startup, shutdown, back-ups, and recoveries.
• We implement and monitor security procedures.
• We provide technical consulting concerning DBMS software and associated tools.
• We currently support 45 Oracle databases, four IDMS/R databases, 24 application/web servers, and more than 10 purchased software packages. All are spread across 52 Unix, NT, Novell, and terminal servers.

Both directly and indirectly, we support the entire university community - faculty, administrative staff, and students.

Our work helps to keep the university's business processes running smoothly. It is the sort of job that most users will not notice when it is done right, but it is essential for the university.