Quest Software report highlights evolving role of DBAs

Quest Software has released a report titled The Database Management Market Landscape and the Evolving DBA, which examines the changes and challenges facing database administrators (DBAs) as technology evolves.

The report identifies a significant shift in the role of DBAs towards more strategic responsibilities. Modern database management has taken on increased importance as organisations undergo digital transformation, requiring DBAs to adapt to new operational challenges and strategic data initiatives related to data and AI lifecycle.

"Modern database management plays a critical role in an organisation's digital transformation," said Bharath Vasudevan, VP of Product Management at Quest Software. "In the past, DBAs responsibilities involved depth within a single database environment. Today, DBAs must also balance operational challenges with strategic data initiatives around the data and AI lifecycle. Businesses must invest in the right tools and processes to ensure they can manage the entire database ecosystem, consisting of multi-platform environments, data security considerations, and AI-driven applications."

The findings in the report underscore the complexities in managing databases, as 93% of organisations use multiple database platforms. This multi-platform approach adds to costs, security risks, and operational inefficiencies.

One of the primary challenges identified in the report is data integrity. It found that 35% of organisations consider data integration a top challenge, while 42% report data migrations as a significant obstacle due to issues with database reliability and performance.

The report also highlights that 52% of organisations have yet to fully develop or implement AI governance policies, reflecting a gap in readiness for integrating AI technologies effectively and securely.

The evolving role of DBAs is accompanied by increased concerns over AI. While DBAs are being called to take on strategic roles, many remain burdened by integration challenges and the potential implications of AI on their employment.

Notably, 61% of DBAs with high confidence in their current skills still express concerns about AI and automation potentially rendering their roles obsolete. This sentiment highlights the need for ongoing training and upskilling in database management skills.

The report indicates that 40% of DBAs had not initially been hired for their current roles, pointing to a skills gap in the industry. It suggests that investments in data integrity, observability, AI governance, and automation are crucial for developing scalable, secure, and efficient databases.

Observability tools are increasingly seen as critical to transforming DBAs from reactive maintenance roles to proactive, strategic data management. Approximately 32% of companies recognise observability tools as vital in achieving this transition.

This research, commissioned by Quest Software in partnership with the Enterprise Strategy Group, was based on a survey of 220 IT and data professionals familiar with their organisation's database tools, policies, and management practices.