At the beginning of the twenty-first century, 'databases' perform a fundamental part in our lives. Lots of people really don't think about it, but the fact is a great deal of what we do is recorded & filed on different 'databases'. 'Databases' store and offer information on our complete economic system. Records such as share-values, bank documents & property information are all indexed on sophisticated 'databases', and though obviously we can still get much of this information in hard copy, electronic records are definitely simpler and easier to gain access to. Your purchase history will be documented onto a database each time you make an electronic payment (i.e. by card). Did you know that the reason you receive certain discounted offers from your regular super-market is because they've kept your buying patterns on their Database & know what's very likely to tempt you? A big Database is owned and operated by the 'DVLA' - it includes each and every auto registration plate that can then display the details of the make and precise model of the vehicle in question. This DVLA database is also used as the foundation for the congestion-charge in London and to discover road tax avoidance, by operating in partnership with the cameras that adorn our streets.

The classic characteristic of a database-administrator or developer is someone who is amazingly exact, is well disciplined and systematic, and can work effectively either by themselves or as a member of a smaller team. Excellent communication skills certainly are an advantage, as there will be frequent inter-action with more senior managers. Security is becoming an increasing dilemma as more and more sensitive data is taken & stored - making Database employment very responsible. A high degree of personal ethic and professional trustworthiness will undoubtedly be called for - and in many areas you could be asked for some type of security-clearance. Professionals from business & accountancy environments often make very good 'DBAs', and often the position is a stepping stone to a much more advanced status in the organisation's hierarchy.

The main database programs being used around the world are MS SQL Server & 'Oracle'. The more mature system 'Oracle' continues to be found in many larger enterprises. However, the majority of company Databases & just about all databases on the web now utilise the SQL Server system. Of course, as 'SQL' Server is fully owned by MS, the organisation has built it into each of its platforms & programs. For anyone looking to become commercially qualified then, this is the natural path to take. Certifications have now been brought up to date, & the MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) has been replaced by the 'MCITP' (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) & the MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist). SQL-Server 2008 is gaining a bit of momentum, but it isn't widely employed in the commercial environment yet. For that reason, the 'MCITP' DBA accreditation includes the more popular SQL-Server 2005. To be able to achieve the full MCITP certification, various MCTS modules have to be achieved first.

So with Databases performing such a big part in modern society, exactly what type of employment can be found which relates to them? There are two significant sectors if we explore databases from an IT mind-set. Creating the software and building the Database is the 1st aspect, & managing the data and building reporting-systems to help utilise the data is the second aspect. Database-Administrators are often known as DBAs, and this particular role is generally in most demand. Medium size to larger businesses need to have DBAs in order to administer the day-to-day functions of the 'databases' they are running. DBAs manage the security of a company's 'databases', make sure that everything's backed up effectively, and utilise the intelligence to generate relevant reports for managers. They need to have gained a commercial understanding of 'SQL' - the most commonly used database language. Interrogating databases to extract information is standardised with 'SQL' ('Structured Query Language').

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