As database management becomes increasingly complex, third-party database tools can help relieve some of the pressure on DBAs.
Choosing a career as a database administrator (DBA) means that you will rarely, if ever, have a slow day at work.
There are just too many aspects of the job for them all to be copasetic at the same time. Odds are that something related to the management or performance of your databases will demand your attention.
The addition of third-party tools to the DBA team’s software arsenal can make a big difference in how well they can do their jobs.
In today’s world of data-driven organizations, the DBA’s role has become increasingly important. They must have the necessary tools to aid in protecting and maintaining enterprise data resources.
Why Do Teams Need Third-Party Database Tools?
Third-party database tools are available for many types of popular systems and software applications. They provide additional functionality or address shortcomings in the product they support.
Viable third-party tools need to demonstrate their benefits to the intended audience. Tools found to add little or no value will soon fall by the wayside. The last thing a support team needs is another tool that complicates rather than streamlines their job.
Database-specific third-party applications need to provide targeted functionality to DBAs managing relational databases.
Details may change from platform to platform, but there are certain features that most DBAs would appreciate no matter which particular databases they support.
Following are some of the functions a third-party database management tool should furnish to its users:
Automating database synchronization
Keeping database systems in sync is often necessary to resolve problems. It needs to be done carefully to avoid data inconsistencies between systems. The ability to automate the process and schedule synchronization between two hosts saves a lot of manual work and reduces the potential for human error.
Managing user privileges
A competent third-party tool will assist DBAs in assigning the correct level of privileges to users. Tools should be able to investigate an object and report on its available privileges.
Profiling queries
SQL queries are at the heart of relational databases. Their performance is critical to user satisfaction and the ability of the system to meet business requirements.
The ability to profile queries to obtain details on their execution and usage can be instrumental in allowing DBAs to identify and resolve the sources of degraded performance.
Scheduling backups
The importance of backing up their databases is known to the majority of DBAs. That doesn’t prevent the occurrence of a human error resulting in missed or failed backups that can compromise the safety of data resources.
A third-party database tool that helps automate and schedule the backup process eliminates potential errors that put enterprise databases at risk.
Importing external data
A viable third-party solution should also simplify the process of importing data into a database from external sources. Features such as the ability to schedule imports are welcomed by DBAs.
A Tool Designed for MySQL DBAs
The differences between database platforms make them likely candidates for dedicated third-party tools. MySQL is an example of a popular relational database solution that can benefit from the additional features found in a supplemental administrative tool.
SQLyog is a third-party tool developed to address the needs of DBAs working with MySQL and MariaDB databases. It provides database teams with the functionality discussed above and much more wrapped in an intuitive and easily navigated interface.
SQLyog helps manage the complete MySQL environment including all physical, virtual, and cloud instances. It also has tools designed to streamline MySQL development.
An informative IDERA white paper goes into detail about the benefits of third-party tools for MySQL DBAs.
It talks about how SQLyog will help MySQL DBAs maintain available and high-performing databases. If your shop relies on MySQL databases, it’s worth a read and may introduce you to your next third-party tool.