Outsourced databases
A DBA, or database administrator, keeps the database behind your ERP healthy: patches, backups, performance, access. We do it as an outsourced service for companies across Italy and in San Marino, remotely or alongside your in-house IT team. The scope and the response times are set out in the contract.
01 · copy the link to this sectionThe situation
The ERP on Oracle, accounting on SQL Server, the new application on PostgreSQL. Each has its own deadlines.
It happens a lot. The long-standing ERP runs on Oracle, a package bought later uses SQL Server, and the latest web application is built on PostgreSQL. Each engine has its own patches, its own versions reaching end of support and its own way of taking backups.
An in-house DBA rarely knows all three well. And when there is only one person, holidays and job changes leave the system behind orders and invoices without cover.
DBA
Oracle, Microsoft and the PostgreSQL community each have their own support calendar.
DBA
A backup that has never been restored cannot tell you how long recovery takes.
DBA
If they move on, their knowledge of the environment goes with them.
02 · copy the link to this sectionThe service
The scope is written down before work starts. Anything not written down is not taken for granted.
In short: the retainer covers routine management of your databases, with a regular report. Version upgrades and migrations can be commissioned as separate projects, each with its own written proposal.
You can hand over everything, routine management only, or a single project.
03 · copy the link to this sectionWhat we do
Each engine has its own page, with versions and end-of-support dates.
04 · copy the link to this sectionRemote access
Administering a database needs broad access. That is why the rules are agreed in writing before work starts.
Named accounts. Each person has their own account, with only the permissions they need. No shared accounts.
Connections agreed with IT. We use the channel the company chooses, and only towards the systems in scope.
Access is logged. Who connected, when and what they did is recorded and can be checked.
A written agreement. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before work starts. If the data is personal, the relationship is also set up under the GDPR.
Data stays where it is. No copy of the data leaves the company without written authorisation.
When the engagement ends. Access is closed and the documentation stays with the company.
05 · copy the link to this sectionWith your team
An external DBA works with the people who already run your systems and follows their procedures.
Changes go through your internal procedures. Maintenance windows are agreed with the people who use the ERP, because they know the days when the system must not be touched.
Where there is already an in-house DBA, the work is split and written down. For example, your DBA handles day-to-day requests and we handle patches, backups and version upgrades. Or the other way round.
Configurations, procedures and test records are documented and handed over to the company, even if it changes supplier one day.
In-house or outsourced Oracle DBA: counting the hours you really need
06 · copy the link to this sectionThe first hours
This applies to Oracle, SQL Server and PostgreSQL. The technical details are known to whoever administers the database.
Updated 7 November 2026
How to reach us: on a retainer, the contacts and response times in the contract apply. Otherwise, write to us through the form and choose «It’s urgent», or email staff@strategic.sm with «Database down» in the subject line. The form is not an emergency channel.
Corrupted Oracle database: what to do first, and why not to restart
07 · copy the link to this sectionHow we work
Four steps, the same for Oracle, SQL Server and PostgreSQL.
Engines and versions, editions and licences, connected applications, existing backups, workloads. With read-only access and under an NDA.
Priorities and deadlines, maintenance windows agreed with the people who use the ERP, criteria for going ahead or rolling back.
Urgent items first: missing patches, backups to test, accounts to close. Every change starts from a verified backup.
Scheduled checks, patches on a calendar, restore tests, a regular report and a yearly review of the environment.
08 · copy the link to this sectionPrinciples
09 · copy the link to this sectionFrequently asked questions
10 · copy the link to this sectionObservatory
Analysis and guides from the Strategic editorial team.
A full-time DBA costs money all year round, while work on Oracle databases comes in waves. How to weigh the real hours, the risks and continuity before you choose in-house, outsourced or both.
13 August 2026Backup, replication and restore protect against different failures. What each one covers in an Oracle database, what stays exposed and which choices fall to management before they are needed.
20 October 2026Claude and ChatGPT help DBAs write and explain SQL, read execution plans, and prepare scripts and documentation. What to hand over to AI, what to keep, and the rules that make it work.
5 November 2026The essential parts of this page print as a short summary of a few pages, without images or invitations to get in touch.
11 · copy the link to this sectionContact
A few lines: which databases, which versions if you know them, the ERP that runs on them, any deadlines. We reply by email, usually within two working days.
We work on site in San Marino, Romagna, the Marche and Emilia, and remotely across Italy. Where we work
Please do not enter passwords, server addresses or data extracts in the form: they are exchanged later, over the agreed channels.
Or write to us:WhatsAppstaff@strategic.sm
On WhatsApp, messages are answered by Strategic’s AI assistant. Please do not use it for confidential information.
