[Info-ingres] So we advertised for a new DBA...?

[Paul White]

re: I conclude that Ingres DBAs are not being made any more.

 

I've helped a dozen potential DBAs in the last few years, steering them to
online resources, manuals and running mini seminars. I think most of them
have a genuine interest in researching and developing Ingres skills, however
Ingres DBA role is secondary to other roles like programming, analysis and
implementation.

 

It is difficult to find anyone who wants to be a DBA just for the sake of
it.   In my experience, the developers are pressured to acquire sufficient
knowledge about DBA tools to get this or that task done quickly without
having to worry about the details.   A big part of my role has been to set
standards and guidelines - and occasionally apply corrective action.
Several of our implementations in the last 5 years ran without my direct
input because the programmer can do the entire set up on their own.   There
is little or no DBA cost margin allowed into a new sale and post
implementation,  because Ingres just works.

 

Maybe there is a recent trend indicating change.  I am receiving more
frequent requests to provide Ingres DBA type training for new hires in
matters of installation, configuration, tuning and troubleshooting - as well
as normal development related DBA activities. Senior management are starting
to see the value in Linux over Windows for reliability, performance vs cost,
security.  There have been increased requests for Linux Ingres installs and
my windows SysAdmins have little or no problem generating Linux
environments.   Experienced CIOs have been requesting technical scoping from
Ingres DBA perspective to assist sizing upgrades and new installations.

 

Why no job applications for an Ingres DBA?  Where are all the potential
candidates.? Why is it difficult to attract new blood?  Where is the real
problem?

 

Yes, the toolset needs some work.  Accessibility of online information,
tutorials, examples, wiki etc has dropped significantly in the last 12
months.  The old ingres community pages served as a very useful stepping
stone to valuable resources.   There are many stale links in search engines
- and also within the Actian pages.   Admittedly there are new pages being
generated - I think we have a drought just now.   Becoming an Ingres (and
OpenROAD) developer is difficult and costly.  I think the support licensing
model for dev licenses needs to change to naturally attract more start-ups,
more projects.   It would be thrilling to see some pre-packaged appliances /
frameworks. WAIPO or LAIPO. (Windows/Linux, Apache, Ingres, Php, OpenROAD)
I'd like to to see formal certifications offered - say ICC or ACSE.   Do you
think we can enhance the Actian support portal to help VARs and independent
consultants?

 

I agree with the comment, that the good DBAs (and OpenROAD programmers) are
happily entrenched in their current job.  Yawn, I think I need another trip
to the coffee shop.  Looking after a few hundred databases across 20 or so
sites is hard work.

 

 

Paul White

&
Shift Seven Solutions
www.shift7solutions.com.au

 

 

 

 

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