'Databases' are now an everyday part of all our lives. You may not be aware of much of it, but a lot of the actions you take for granted are noted, filed & stored in various ways. The entire economic system is based on Databases of information. Details like share-values, bank documents & property-information are all listed on complex Databases, & though clearly we can still access most of this information in hard copy, digital records are definitely less complicated to gain access to. If you use a debit or credit card to pay for something, that information is documented on a Database. In case you ever wondered why you started getting discounted coupons for pet food from your supermarket, the chances are you purchased some items which showed that you now, most likely, have a pet. A major Database is owned by the 'DVLA' - it has every motor vehicle registration number which can then show the details of the manufacturer & exact model of the auto in question. By working together with the nation's roadside camera-network, this information is applied to recognise non payment of Road Tax, & for London's Congestion charge scheme.

Throughout the world, the leading database systems are Oracle and MS 'SQL' Server. 'Oracle' is an older System that is still utilised on large scale installations, but SQL-Server is more popular now in regular commercial environments; 'SQL' has become the 'de-facto' standard for Databases on the net. Needless to say, as SQL Server is fully owned by MS, the organisation has built it in to all its programs & platforms. For all those trying to become commercially accredited then, this is the obvious route to take. The 'MCITP' ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional') and 'MCTS' ('Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist') programs have superceded the earlier MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) certifications. Although SQL-Server 08 is now starting to gain some foothold, the existing widespread commercial edition of Microsoft 'SQL' Server is 2005, and its this version which features in the MCITP DBA accreditation. In accordance with a number of MS's other qualifications, a number of MCTS modules come before the final 'MCITP'.

We have demonstrated that Databases are a major part of our time, so exactly what careers are there in this sector? If we consider the careers of of IT experts, there are two principal database sectors - Developing & constructing the 'databases' - plus the software that manages and accesses them; & managing them - together with creating reporting systems which use the data. Database-Administrators are more often known as 'DBA's', & this particular role is generally in most demand. A 'DBA' may normally work for a mid-size or large company, and manage the daily functions of a specific database. Operations like security and the backing-up of the data require managing. DBAs also have to build reports for management to allow them to make up to date commercial decisions. They have to have a professional knowledge of 'SQL' - the most common Database language. Interrogating databases to draw out facts is standardised with SQL ('Structured Query Language').

Both 'DBAs' & DB developers tend to be exceedingly systematic & organised men and women, who pay an impressive interest in the details, and appreciate working in small teams, or alone. Very good communication-skills can be a benefit, as there will be consistent interaction with more senior managers. Database Management is an extremely important vocation, as Security demands increasingly more vigilance within this area of work. Professional 'confidentiality' will be vital, & a great deal of trustworthiness & personal integrity will be asked for by the organisation. Individuals who have previously been employed in business-processing or accounting positions typically do very well in database Management. A lot of DBA's obtain successful promotions to higher office because they intrinsically expand their business management skill sets.

If its the Developer aspect of databases that is of interest to you, the MCITP DB-Developer from MS is for you. Whilst not completely extending in to database programming, this handles more to do with the original rationale & set up of Databases. To get more detailed information about training in database programming, you should take a look at the actual Programming part of this web site. In fact, you'll discover a much greater appeal where jobs are concerned in the DBA half of the picture. However if you would like to become a Developer, our advice would be to plan the DB-Developer certification into a more comprehensive set of programming training. As time passes, make sure you also look at taking the MCTS qualification in 'SQL' Server 2008.

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