What does a database architect do?

What is a Database Architect?

A database architect creates and manages large and expansive electronic databases to store and organize vast amounts of data. This is a highly skilled profession that is integral to most modern businesses. A database architect will help companies grow and expand into new marketplaces and help create a vision to meet strategic goals. A person in this position will work closely with software designers, design analysts and others to create comprehensive databases that may be used by hundreds if not thousands of people.

What does a Database Architect do?

Database architects will begin by studying the needs of their employer. They will assess the current data infrastructure and have discussions with employees and users to figure out where changes in the database need to be made. The database architect will then prepare and map out how the electronic database should look and function. From there, often working with a team, they will oversee and partake in the creation of the database using the ETL Architecture Standards.

Using coding skills and data access, database architects will then write the code to create the database. Once the database is created they will work to troubleshoot any problems and locate and correct oversights. During the creation of the database, they will work closely with employees in the company to make sure that the database meets the company's expectations. The type of database created can be anything from a system that handles payroll to one that deals with inventory or customer satisfaction.

A strong database architecture is central to most modern business, and mistakes made within it can cost upwards of millions of dollars. It is for this reason that a database architect must be sure to have a strong attention to detail. They must also be able to understand the current and projected database needs of their employer and be able to create a platform that functions over multiple systems in multiple areas.

The database architect must be able to write strong and useful code, as poorly performing code will have a large negative impact on the performance of their architecture. They are essential in creating and maintaining security for the database and are needed to create standards for all users to ensure that the system is safe from outside interlopers. The database will need to be able to collect information from several different platforms and be able to convert this data and make sure that it transfers to the database and remains uncorrupted.

Continuing maintenance, updates and upgrades are also an important aspect of a database architect’s ongoing career. They will have to be able to identify and fix problems in these areas as they arise and make sure that the hardware and software used by the database is in working order and that it keeps up with the ever changing flow of technological development. Database architects will also have to identify trends in the database users, and use this information to improve performance and recommend new ways to improve the existing database. They must also schedule times for upgrades and repairs that will have a minimal impact upon the company; this may require working nights or weekends to ensure that the database is up and running by the start of the business day.

What is the workplace of a Database Architect like?

The largest number of database architects work for computer systems design and related services firms, such as Internet service providers and data-processing firms. Other database architects are employed by firms with large databases, such as insurance companies and banks, both of which keep track of vast amounts of personal and financial data for their clients. Some database architects administer databases for retail companies that keep track of their buyers’ credit card and shipping information; others work for healthcare firms and manage patients’ medical records.