What tech trends should DBAs focus on in 2020

29 Nov 2019 34343 views 0 minutes to read Contributors

trends 2020

Predicting the future will always be risky. Even prediction algorithms can’t spot every trend or recognize every opportunity or threat. And, neither can we.

However, we still believe it’s worth looking, thinking and acting ahead. We call it creating an early warning system for managing the future of your business. After all, corporate history is awash with companies who simply ‘didn’t see it coming’.

Here are five tech trends to focus on in 2020

Unlocking and analyzing data is at the heart of digital transformation. Businesses are looking to use their data to improve customer experiences, streamline operations, and bring new products and services to market faster. Businesses, large and small, now realize they can’t achieve this with siloed data.

The amount of business data is growing exponentially each year. Much of this growth is driven by Big Data and IoT sensor data. In fact, Gartner predicts that 5.8 billion IoT endpoints will be in use by 2020, which is a 21% increase from 2019.

We also expect to see much faster migration of data and systems to the cloud as businesses become more aware of the cost and efficiency benefits. This, combined with continued database automation, will largely free DBAs from the details of database maintenance and implementation. However, businesses will need DBAs to help them understand the benefits and costs of cloud computing versus maintaining on-premises data solutions or using a hybrid model.

According to Adobe's 2019 CIO Perspectives Survey, nearly 80% of chief information officers plan to increase the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning over the next 12 months.  At the same time, 73% plan to increase the use of real-time data in their business. DBAs who expand their skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies will be in high demand.

From the IT department to the boardroom

Data analytics tools are helping business leaders uncover patterns and correlations that inform business decisions, from new product features to personalized customer experiences. Traditionally, database experts have tended to stay in the background, ensuring these data systems are accurate and always available. Now, DBAs who understand how to harness data to drive better decisions have the opportunity to move to the forefront of business. 

With their understanding of multiple technologies, DBAs can help organizations project future costs and determine how to get the best ROI from their data. And, they can help deliver data to key stakeholders quickly, efficiently, and accurately to enable them to make better business decisions. With the world of work changing and employees accessing data on multiple devices in multiple locations, DBAs will also play a crucial role in data security.

An opportunity not a threat

As the database landscape evolves to deal with these trends, companies will continue to need DBAs to manage their hybrid cloud and on-premise database environment. But, we believe, the role will change quite dramatically. DBAs will be expected to encompass a much broader range of skills and to understand and plan what kind of SQL environment is needed.

Even with increased automation, DBAs do not have to worry about being out of a job. In fact, automation will free DBAs to be more strategic. Those who combine technical skills with an understanding of data from a business perspective will create significant value for their organization.

At SQLTreeo, we have many more tips for DBAs, consultants and IT leaders looking to keep up with the latest trends and stay competitive in their field. Check out our other articles here. And, if you have any questions, you can contact us here.

 

Resources:

https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-08-29-gartner-says-5-8-billion-enterprise-and-automotive-io

https://fortune.com/2019/11/19/artificial-intelligence-2020-cio-survey/

 

 

 

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