Database Administration

Introduction
Database administration is a fundamental part of running any database product in a commercial environment. The costs of not taking database administration seriously are potentially very high. The Database Administrator (DBA) is responsible for the efficient management and administration of a GE Smallworld database. This function typically includes tasks such as backup and recovery, database integrity, and datastore files management and sizing. Not only does the DBA need to understand how a GE Smallworld database functions; they also need to design and implement operational procedures that will ensure the efficient use and security of valuable data.

This course clarifies the concepts of the GE Smallworld database, and reinforces DBA skills through lessons, discussion tasks and hands-on exercises. The emphasis is on detailed knowledge and preparing clear processes and procedures to ensure the integrity and availability of the datastore.

Audience
This course is intended for the following audience:

  • Database Administrators (DBA)
  • Other personnel responsible for performing the DBA function

Prerequisites
Before attending this course, delegates should have completed the Core Spatial Technology System Administration course, and should have some practical experience of performing the DBA tasks. A period of 3 to 6 months practical experience of working with GE Smallworld databases is desirable.

Objectives
Following the course, students should be able to:

  • Describe how a GE Smallworld database operates at an appropriate theoretical level
  • Plan strategies for maintaining a GE Smallworld database
  • Perform 'core' DBA activities such as compressing and restructuring a GE Smallworld database to ensure data is maintained and optimized.

Duration
4 days

Content
The training is based on the following modules:

  • Overview: an overview of DBA aspects of the GE Smallworld database
  • Monitoring performance: the GE Smallworld database, system resources, datastore file access
  • Managing the database: data directories, alternatives and datastore files
  • Managing large databases: effective alternative structures, coping with heavy network traffic, coping with change
  • Backup and integrity: backup strategies, the GE Smallworld Backup Manager, batch and interactive backup
  • Controlling database access: controlling access to servers, files, tables and alternatives
  • Dealing with disaster: planning for and surviving database disasters
  • Managing multi-user access: readers, writers, combining change
  • Managing large tables: setting up and maintaining superfiles, controlling raster data
  • GE Smallworld Datastore Server: homogeneous and heterogeneous working
  • Planning, strategies and recording: effective procedures for the GE Smallworld DBA
  • Persistent cache: efficient access for remote sites, covers setting up and maintaining both the main and the persistent cache sites
  • Working top: reducing the amount of data which is required to be regularly backed up, improves system availability, discusses when to use and how to set up a working top

The course does NOT cover the optional products:

  • Database Replication
  • Database Extracts
  • External Database Connection (and the specialized topics)
  • Managing data model evolution