Database Administration

From CTLpedia

Project Summary: The CTL uses MySQL and MSSQL systems to store databases. These databases need to be structurally designed when they're created and carefully managed over their lifetime to insure data integrity. Not only does the CTL have to be knowledgable about its own systems but since the Center is involved in managing the WebCT system it must be very familiar with Oracle database administration.

Contents 1 Project Description 2 Current Status 2.1 Current Databases in the CTL 3 Relation to CTL Department Plan Initiatives 4 Project Staff 5 Project Resources 6 Project Outcomes and Future Directions

Project Description

The CTL maintains databases for many of its applications, including keeptool, webct, in-house tools, the ctl wiki, and others. Each database has to be created and maintained by someone that knows the database system that it runs in. We use a variety of server systems... MySQL, MSSQL, and Oracle. Each one has its own intricacies, quirks, and pitfalls which must be taken into account, especially when creating new databases.

Administrators work on the following aspects of the database:

• ensuring system reliability: Making sure the database system is up and running with little or no downtime (except for server maintenance windows).
• ensuring data integrity: Setting up and performing backups to make sure no data is lost, and if it is, a recovery plan is in place.
• database design: When a new database is created the tables and relationships must be carefully designed. This has a huge effect on the life of the database and how well data can be stored in it. A badly designed database will greatly hinder the capabilities of designers to use it in their applications.

Current Status

Current Databases in the CTL

• MySQL on apps/ctl server with 14 databases in it.
• MSSQL on dragon server with several databases.
• Oracle on frostbite server with WebCT test database.

Relation to CTL Department Plan Initiatives

• Innovative Instructional Technologies Program

• Online Learning at MCC

Project Staff

• Martin Lehner admins the MySQL/Oracle databases.
• Melanie Kroening helps admin the Oracle database.
• Jeff Anderson admins the MSSQL databases.

Project Resources

• Administration hours for Martin Lehner.
• Administration hours for Jeff Anderson.
• Administration hours for Melanie Kroening.

Project Outcomes and Future Directions

• Migration of all databases to MySQL or oracle.
• Abandon MSSQL if possible.