In prior posts, we discussed the importance of monitoring how database administrators (DBAs) and other super-users change database information, as well as their use of unapproved channels for database access. This time around, we’ll cover the need to control how those privileged users modify database schemas.
The database schema “is central to its secure and efficient operation and management”, Gartner claims. Therefore, “schemas and metadata must be kept absolutely consistent”, as incorrect or unapproved alterations could be detrimental to the performance of the database. Without proper monitoring, privileged users could also inadvertently bypass monitoring or auditing mechanisms, creating tables or other objects containing mistakes and errors that can hinder – or halt – database operation.
Our powerful database version control solution, dbMaestro TeamWork™, eliminates these risks with a powerful locking mechanism that proactively prevents unauthorized schema modifications. Since the DBA or other privileged user must perform check-out within the TeamWork environment, they will be unable to make changes that have not been audited or approved. As a result, the integrity of database schemas is always protected and preserved.
Because TeamWork’s locking mechanism is tightly integrated into the database engine, it cannot be overridden. Therefore, it will always track and audit schema modifications, regardless of the level of the user making them.
Another key feature of TeamWork is its ability to closely align database schema changes with software code changes. This is particularly important as both schema and code modifications are often required as part of a specific application version. With TeamWork, and its robust locking mechanism, schema modifications that create conflicts or problems with code can be avoided.
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