Data and Database Administration

In this chapter we link the issues involved on the management of existing database systems with the development of new database systems. To do this we distinguish between two key roles which have emerged with the rise of database systems: the database administrator and data administrator. The data administrator is now one of the key persons involved in the development of databased information systems. We also describe some of the key functions of the database administrator, particularly the development of views and granting data and facilities privileges to users via some DBMS. We close with a look at the concept of a data dictionary and its use in data and database administration.