The state of the data affects its usefulness and efficiency. Since data loses its value when it is altered or compromised, it is essential to keep it in good condition. It is on this basis that data maintenance flourishes.
As a network owner or administrator, part of your responsibilities is to protect the data in your systems from unauthorized access. Failure to take this responsibility gives cyber criminals an opportunity to attack your system.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of database maintenance and how to maintain your database.
What is database maintenance?
Database maintenance is a set of procedures that are performed to ensure that the database functions properly. Database management solutions such as Oracle and SQL Server require regular updates to align with new technology and security risks.
Some examples of database maintenance are backups, data export/import operations, index review, object autorun or removal, and other database maintenance activities.
Many people understand the need to back up databases, but database maintenance is a lesser known concept. Database maintenance involves a variety of tasks that contribute to the security of your data.
One form of database work is data export/import operations. This is important because it allows you to recover from problems that affect your system, such as data corruption or hardware failures. This enables you to back up or migrate pieces of your database to another system for backup needs.
Databases are used to hold a library of valuable information, especially one with a well-organized database index that speeds up record retrieval. Changes occur regularly as data is removed, added, or moved from one place to another. Changes can also be made to the parameters of the database.
Administrators may choose to use alternate systems for indexing and other purposes. All these modifications in the database system lead to malfunction over time. This is where database maintenance comes in handy, as it helps to keep the system organized and clean so that it doesn’t become cluttered and an annoyance or a loss.
Database maintenance is handled by personnel who are familiar with the system. These experts are well versed with the features and characteristics of the specific system. One of the most important components of database maintenance is the backup of current data. If something goes wrong, there is always data to be recovered from the backup.
Some database systems automatically back up their data by migrating them to another location at predetermined time intervals. However, backups are insufficient for database maintenance, and other additional strategies are needed to maintain system operations.
When the right processes are in place, be assured of enjoying a working data management system without the fear of data loss.
What are the benefits of database maintenance?
Data maintenance is important for every network owner or administrator. There are many benefits to having a good data maintenance routine. This explains why major organizations neglect to implement a good maintenance plan.
Here are some of the benefits of database maintenance. We have highlighted some of them below:
1. Keeps companies up to date
Innovations in technology are moving very quickly, and organizations are trying very hard to keep up. And that’s because being present gives them a firm foundation. If you fail to adapt to the latest trends, whatever you are offering becomes stale and unsuitable for current standards
With regular database maintenance, your data stays as current as it gets. You are in a better position to cater to your audience.
2. Promotes efficient database
Database maintenance improves database efficiency by removing unnecessary or useless data. On some systems, this may result in less processing overhead.
It is important to ensure that the databases are operating at peak performance. System blockages will slow down your workflow and increase operating costs.
3. Simplifies Data Recovery
No matter how careful you try to be, sometimes accidents happen. You can lose your data at any time due to an attack or accident. This can badly affect you and your business.
4. Protects against malicious threats
Your system may be a victim of cyber threats without your knowledge. Small threats can escalate if you don’t nip them in the bud in time.
Conducting database maintenance regularly helps reduce downtime and protect against malicious attacks. Not only does it help you spot threats, but it also tells you how to resolve them.
5. Saves time
You can use the time spent on database administration activities for other things, such as developing your company’s business or marketing strategy.
The most effective database maintenance techniques are automated. Once you get them started, they go to work cleaning your system.