Is your only database administrator going on vacation this summer? Does the thought of that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up?
Proactive managers are already planning for coverage for their DBA’s vacation days. Larger organizations with multiple DBAs are fortunate in this regard – the DBAs can cover for each other.
With just a single DBA, some organizations cross-train a non-DBA to do simple tasks such as stop/start the database, and hope that no complex problems come up during the DBA’s absence. If complex problems do come up, opening a ticket with Oracle technical support is an option, although working with tech support is most effectively done by someone familiar with the Oracle database landscape.
Other organizations arrange for a consultant to stand in for the DBA. If you have a consulting firm or a contractor with whom you are already comfortable, this could be a good option for you.
Whatever option you choose, do plan ahead for issues that could arise during a DBA’s absence and who will handle them. Please don’t wait until you’re already in trouble!
Yes!!!! MEM steps in when my DBA takes his vacations, goes for training, etc… Takes a whole lot of stress of me, knowing that while my DBA is reinvigorating himself, I don’t have to worry if something breaks!!!
and every time my DBA is away, something does break!!!!