7 Key Benefits of Using a Fractional DBA Service for Mid-Size UK Businesses
What Does a Mid-Size Company Mean?
We help a lot of companies and organisations with their SQL Server issues. Most of the people who come to us with SQL Server troubles and problems would probably work for what I would call a mid-size organisation. Not small by any means, but perhaps not large global companies either. They typically have somewhere between 50 and 500 employees, and annual turnover could be between £30 million and £500 Million.
What issues do mid-size companies have with SQL Server?
Many of these types of businesses don’t have a DBA or don’t have the dedicated skills in-house. But they have SQL Server, and these businesses have been growing, and the SQL Server and critical databases have been growing.
Most of these companies come to us interested in our SQL Server Health Check – which usually means there is a performance problem they need help with, whether the whole server is misbehaving or a specific database. Whether its the overnight ETL jobs for the data warehouse crashing periodically or a report that starts taking a very long time to render
Or they have an old version of SQL Server that they need to upgrade or migrate to a new version but don’t have the in-house skills to do the work. In short, the SQL Server has been running fine for ten years and is now out of support. They need to move to a new version but are worried about the impact this might have on their key business systems and applications.
There is another kind of business that does have DBA resources or perhaps two, but the workload and capacity for the existing team to take on extra work doesn’t exist. They need a burst of resources to supplement their team get something done but then want to scale back. They don’t need a full-time person, they need someone with skills to help them deliver something specific in a burst, and when it’s done, their existing team will revert.
If any of the above describes you, maybe you should consider a Fractional DBA Service.
Why Mid-Size UK Businesses Should Consider Fractional DBA Services for SQL Server Management
In mid-size businesses, the IT department often wears many hats. The balancing act of managing operational efficiency while keeping costs in check is a constant endeavour. One challenge that commonly surfaces for such businesses in the UK is managing SQL Server databases without dedicated in-house expertise. Enter the solution: fractional DBA services.
Here are the top 7 reasons why IT Directors and Heads of IT should consider integrating fractional DBA services into their IT strategy:
Unlock Cost-Efficiency
Hiring a full-time DBA comes with its share of costs, from salaries to benefits and beyond. But what if your business doesn’t need a full-time DBA? A fractional DBA service provides expert support without the financial strain of a permanent employee.
Benefit from Specialised Expertise
A fractional DBA service typically comprises professionals from varied backgrounds and experiences. By partnering with them, you tap into a reservoir of knowledge and expertise that a single in-house DBA might not offer.
Experience Scalability and Flexibility
IT needs are seldom static. There will be peak times and quieter periods. A fractional DBA service provides the flexibility to scale up or down based on your business’s real-time requirements.
Enjoy 24/7 Monitoring and Support
Downtime can be costly. With round-the-clock monitoring offered by most fractional DBA providers, potential issues are caught and rectified in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Stay Updated
Regular SQL Server updates, patches, and security fixes are paramount for optimal performance. With a fractional DBA service, routine maintenance becomes their responsibility, not yours.
Mitigate Risks
Mistakes with SQL Server management can be pricey. Entrust the job to professionals who can substantially reduce the risks associated with non-specialised management.
Refocus on Core Business Activities
With database management in expert hands, your IT team can shift its focus back to strategic projects and activities that contribute directly to business growth.
Summary
Managing SQL Server databases without the necessary in-house skills can be daunting for mid-sized UK businesses. But it doesn’t have to be. A fractional DBA service is a cost-effective alternative and a strategic decision that can steer the company towards operational efficiency and growth. If you’re an IT Director or Head of IT, this might be the solution you’ve been searching for! Contact Us, and we can have a chat.
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