At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Databases perform a fundamental purpose in our lives. You may not be familiar with a lot of it, yet you will find many activities we take for granted are recorded, filed and saved in various ways. Databases hold & supply 'data' on our country's entire economic system. Property records, bank details and share values are all kept on vast 'databases'. Much of these records are also accessible in hard copy, but electronic digital indexation provides for much greater access. Every time you go shopping with a credit card or store loyalty card, you include an additional piece of information to that particular Database. If you've wondered why you suddenly started receiving discounted vouchers for dog food from your super-market, then you probably purchased a number of goods that demonstrated that you, probably, have a dog. Just about all garages (& the police force) use the DVLA's car registration mark Database to bring up all of the details of any motor vehicle or truck etc. recorded in the UK. The Capital's congestion charging System, & the government's road-tax avoidance-scheme also take advantage of this data, by working with the street cameras that we all see almost everywhere.

If it's the Development aspect of databases which is of interest to you, then the 'MCITP' DB-Developer from Microsoft is for you. It will handle more of the initial design, rationalisation and setup of databases, although it doesn't seriously extend to full database programming. You need to review the programming area of this site if your interest lies in that aspect of databases. To tell the truth, there is generally a higher involvement in the Administrator side of things from students & employers alike. Nevertheless, if for example the Developer route will suit your needs, it might be sensible to add the 'MCITP' DB Developer in to a more expansive programming training path. As each year goes on, it's best to also think of taking the MCTS accreditation in SQL Server 2008.

So with 'databases' playing such a major role in modern society, what form of employment exists which pertains to them? Generally, from an I.T. perspective, there are 2 key aspects of Database careers: Creating the software and building the Database is the first area, & administering the data and creating reporting-systems to be able to use the data is the 2nd aspect. The term DBA, or 'Database Administrator', is a common 'acronym' used through-out the IT sector. Typically its the medium to large companies that have a need to use 'DBA's', as they need them to oversee the database's operations on a day to day basis. 'DBAs' maintain the security of the business' databases, make sure that everything is copied properly, and use the information to make relevant reports for managers. They'll also have an understanding of the Database language of SQL ('Structured Query Language') - pronounced 'see-quel' - which offers a 'standardised' method of interrogating a Database for the information they require.

If you are beginning in the business, it could be a good idea to preface your Database study with some software support instruction. You'll gain some lower level qualifications to get you started, & find out about interrelated areas of the industry as well. An outstanding training course for a new starter is the 'MCDST' ('Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician'). Your entire professional training-track of MCDST, MCTS and 'MCITP' could possibly be concluded in roughly a year if you are studying part-time outside of your job. Although, as always, we advocate caution before making any decisions in isolation. You should be certain that the teaching techniques and the chosen employment are going to be right for you, so talk about them with a knowledgeable IT training consultant first. Always start by bearing the end in your mind; failure to follow this one straightforward principle has cost a lot of trainees a substantial amount of money & misused time.

'Oracle' & 'SQL Server' from MS are the primary Database Systems in the world today. The mature system 'Oracle' can still be found in various large organisations. Nevertheless, most business Databases and just about all databases on-line now utilise the 'SQL' Server system. Given that Microsoft own their SQL-Server technology, it has been conveniently integrated in to all of their platforms & programming languages, rendering it an easy preference for those aiming to obtain qualification and professional recognition. Accreditations have recently been brought up to date, and the MCDBA ('Microsoft Certified Database Administrator') has been superceded by the MCITP ('Microsoft Certified IT Professional') and the 'MCTS' (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist). Though 'SQL' Server 2008 is now beginning to secure some foothold, the current widespread commercial version of Microsoft SQL Server is 2005, and it's this release which features in the 'MCITP' DBA qualification. As with various other Microsoft certifications, several MCTS modules precede the final 'MCITP' accreditation.

Both 'DBAs' and DB Developers are usually very methodical & orderly people, who pay a good attention to details, & like working within smaller teams, or by themselves. First-rate communication skills are certainly a benefit, since there'll be regular inter-action with more senior management. Handling corporate databases is a position of responsibility - & security is constantly becoming a larger subject in this field. Recruiters seek out individuals with some integrity that they are able to trust 100 percent, & certain businesses will actually expect you to obtain security-clearance before offering you a placement. Professionals from business and accounting jobs can become very good DBA's, & in many instances the role is a stepping-stone to a rather more senior placement within the business hierarchy.

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