Database administration outsourcing, or remote database administration, is indeed seeing significant growth, thanks to a few key factors. Databases keep getting bigger, there are more applications, each growing and becoming more complex, and DBAs are getting harder to find and keep trained.

Simply put, there are three ways to cope with the growing demand: hire more DBAs, pay for an onsite consultant, or use an outsourcing firm.
 
The Internet and sophisticated security procedures have made remote database administration a viable alternative.

Is remote database administration right for you?

Remote database administration is an especially attractive option for smaller companies or businesses located in places where talent can be hard to find.

Small and midsized businesses have the same critical need for DBAs that larger organizations have, but they don't have the same resources and enterprise operations.
 
Another reason to turn to remote database administration is for the sake of the DBAs in your organization. In fact, in-house DBAs can benefit from turning to an outsourcer because it can free them up for more strategic or learning opportunities.

"Good DBAs are looking for an environment they can learn in, for challenges and collaboration with other DBAs". "No one wants to be on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Are your DBAs able to share that burden with someone else?"

Cyclical businesses like ski resorts or financial services firms with heavy quarterly reporting requirements are good candidates for remote database administration, as are companies that need insurance in case of a disaster.
 
"Do you need an insurance policy?". "What will happen if your DBA is run over by a truck? Don't think it couldn't happen. "

Companies that need help managing Oracle patches and upgrades can also benefit. Outsourcers can pitch in with their expertise to get organizations through those projects. That's key, because the patch-and-upgrade process is never as easy as Oracle makes it sound.

Companies looking for a predictable monthly database administration cost and companies with multiple remote locations are also good candidates.
 
Questions to ask your database administration outsourcer
 
If you've decided that all or part of your business can benefit from remote database administration, there are some key things to ask potential outsourcers. Organizations are better served by outsourcers that use commercial scripting tools rather than homegrown tools. While some may be effective, in general, an outsourcer is not going to build custom tools that outperform the likes of BMC, CA, Insider or Quest.

Some turnover is unavoidable, but companies considering remote database administration should also take a close look at employee retention at an outsourcer, as well as the amount of training, certifications and education offered to DBAs. Also, make sure the outsourcer conducts background checks.

The security of the remote connection is also an area that deserves close attention.

Companies should also have a clear understanding of the support escalation process, emergency response times, and trigger processes.