DATABASE DESIGN The DBA establishes a sound methodology for database design, and ensures that all database

e designers follow the methodology. The DBA also verifies that the designers obtain all pertinent information from the appropriate users. After the database designers complete the information level design, the DBA does the physicallevel design. The DBA establishes documentation standards for all the steps in the database design process. The DBA also makes sure that these standards are followed, that the documentation is kept up to date, and that the appropriate personnel have access to the documentation they need. The DBA reviews all changes to requirements and determines whether the changes will require that modifications be made to the database. If so, the DBA makes the changes in the design and in the data in the database. The DBA also verifies that programmers modify all programs and documentation affected by the change.

production system only to authorized users. The first exception is when problems occur, such as with software. The DBA and others must troubleshoot the problem by accessing the production system. The second exception is when programmers complete new programs or modify existing programs for the production system. For both exceptions, the DBA performs any necessary database modifications or closely controls the activities of others. Test system or Sandbox Programmers use to develop new programs and modify existing programs. It is a separate system created when the DBA does not grant programmers access to the production system.

TESTING Production system or Live system - the hardware, software, database for the users. and

After programmers complete the testing of their programs in the test system, a separate quality assurance group performs further tests, the DBA and the users review and approves the test results and the DBA reviews and approves the programs and documentation. If the DBA and the users approve, the DBA notifies all affected users when new or corrected features will be available. The DBA then transfers the programs to the production system and makes any required database changes. A production system with a DBMS is a complex system. A separate test system reduces the complexity of the production system and provides an extra measure of control.

The DBA strictly controls the production system. With just two exceptions, the DBA grants access and update privileges to the