I think that there are absolutely better tools now, and in many cases, the systems are in place to make sure your backups are good to go, that things are running well, etc.
(Can you hear the "but" coming?)
But, I think there is a strong need for making sure the right things are in place, both now and in the future when it comes to performance, to tuning and to using the right hardware, virtual environments and tools to support your environment. I think this still lives in the realm of a DBA when it comes to managing your servers. What’s your server configuration for your solutions? What key management solutions do you need and what types of hardware are needed to support those?
What’s the best SQL Azure configuration? What are the options? What applies and what doesn’t? I think these are all things that are best dealt with by a more traditional DBA role, vs. a data developer role. Not because they "can’t," but rather because it’s not their thing and something a DBA should be working through and be the expert on in the environment.
I also think keeping on top of security, encryption and such are key (pardon the pun).
On top of all of this, *someone* has to be paying attention to merging all of these data sources we’re all becoming so fond of using in our solutions. It’s not a trivial thing to set up the clusters, processing and data interchange between systems.
In my mind, the role of the DBA may be modified a bit from "SQL Server DBA" to "DBA" but if you’re really into the whole architecture and management of data stores, from coagulation of data (a new term) to the security of information and providing for the use of that information… you’re still what I’d refer to as a DBA.
I do believe there are some hybrid roles – things that are evolving – we’ll be talking about those on upcoming SSWUGtv shows, but the DBA? If you’re not paying attention to the things that are evolving and falling into the lap of this type of role, you’re really missing out.
If you’re not growing into these new areas as part of your role, then yes, I’d say we are complacent. I think that’s a thing to re-think, be aware of and address right away.
What do you think? Let me know…