Techniques Used in Database Administration
The case study retail store is concerned about the possibilities of losing data because of database system malfunctions or downtime. Security is also a major concern to the company because it is common knowledge that engaging in online business can be risky because of known vulnerabilities on the Internet. The company also realizes that its in-store database system is the top priority at this time. What solutions can you propose to effectively manage database transactions, maintain security, and recover the data that are lost from system failure or downtime?
Review these examples to help you with this assignment.
The assumptions are as follows:
A high volume of the orders often occurs during the daytime.
One person will serve the role of database administrator.
The database administrator account will serve as database owner.
The transaction log must be backed up.
Point-in-time recovery is required.
There is an always-on availability group.
The ability to purchase products online will be addressed in a future database project.
The project deliverables are as follows:
What solutions can you propose to effectively manage database transactions, maintain security, and recover the data that are lost from system failure or downtime?
What is your rationale for the transaction management plan, database security procedure, backup plan, and recovery model that you proposed for the case study organization?
Database Administration Plan (4–5 pages)
Create a database administration plan that is specific to the needs of your retail store.
Include a transaction management plan that includes a flowchart for how each transaction will be handled (including rollback and commit cases).
Include a database security procedure that includes provisions for access control, user authentication, and availability.
Include a backup plan and a recovery model
Provide your analysis as to how this part of the project fulfills the mission and 1 or more goals of the case study organization.
Sample Solution
Introduction
This database administration plan outlines strategies for managing database transactions, ensuring security, and enabling data recovery for the retail store. The plan addresses the challenges posed by high transaction volumes, potential system failures, and security risks. By implementing these measures, the organization aims to protect critical data, minimize downtime, and maintain operational efficiency.
Full Answer Section
Transaction Management To effectively manage database transactions during peak business hours, the following strategies will be implemented:- Isolation Level: The SNAPSHOT isolation level will be employed to optimize concurrency and performance while maintaining data integrity.
- Error Handling: Robust error handling mechanisms, including TRY-CATCH blocks and rollback procedures, will be implemented to prevent data inconsistencies in case of errors.
- Batch Processing: Non-critical tasks like report generation will be scheduled for off-peak hours to reduce database load and improve transaction performance.
- Transaction Logging: The database system will be configured to utilize transaction logging to maintain data integrity and enable point-in-time recovery.
- Access Control: Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to grant permissions based on job functions. Strong password policies, including complexity requirements and regular password changes, will be enforced.
- User Authentication: Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) for critical system access to enhance security.
- Data Encryption: Employ encryption techniques to protect sensitive data both at rest and in transit.
- Network Security: Implement firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), and network segmentation to protect the database infrastructure.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct periodic vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses.
- Security Awareness Training: Educate employees about security best practices and the importance of protecting sensitive information.
- Full Database Backups: Regular full database backups will be performed to a secure off-site location.
- Transaction Log Backups: Frequent transaction log backups will be implemented to enable point-in-time recovery.
- Backup Rotation: A backup rotation schedule will be established to optimize storage utilization and retention requirements.
- Disaster Recovery Plan: Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan outlining procedures for restoring database operations in case of a catastrophic failure.
- Test Restores: Regular test restores will be conducted to verify the integrity of backups and the effectiveness of the recovery process.