The way we look at and use databases has changed dramatically over the past several years. Starting with data center consolidation mandates and the push to Cloud First and later Cloud Smart, agencies across government have been reinventing how they use and access databases.
DevOps is making an impact on how databases are planned and managed. The continuous updates and faster releases are being applied to database management to make government more agile. It also acts to make government systems more secure. The DevOps process that introduces more automation and continuous improvement means that human-related data errors can be mitigated earlier in deployment processes. Combined with encryption, this approach of granting access to sensitive data to those with the correct permissions can also mask the data in copies of databases used for development and testing.
The potential "downside" of DevOps throughout government is the fact that application developers are being asked to double as database administrators to maintain fluidity in the process and support an agency's rapid release cycle. But, if we recognize this concept of the "accidental database administrator," we can get them the tools to succeed. Software as a Service-based application performance management (APM) is one tool that developers can use to continuously identify performance and availability issues leading to proactive reporting of matters that may be "beyond their pay grade."
The evolution of the look and use of databases will continue to accelerate. To stay on top of the latest trends check out some of these upcoming events.
- Cloud Computing Virtual Conference (December 3, 2020; virtual) - This event will review the variety of platforms and solutions available for implementing cloud-based solutions and data center consolidation with federal government success stories.
- Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations and Cloud Strategies Conference (December 7-10, 2020; virtual) - This conference brings together experts to navigate critical I&O priorities and challenges including agile and DevOps, IT operations in a hybrid world, edge and distributed cloud, and more.
- SNG Live: Data Strategy (December 8, 2020; virtual) - CDOs have been tasked with leading agencies' use of data to respond to the challenges introduced by the pandemic. On top of that, the Open Government Data Act of 2019 and the 2020 Federal Data Strategy Action Plan were still big priorities for 2020. This session gathers CDOs from across government to discuss the progress they're making around these challenges and the role data is playing in the fight against the pandemic.
- Ai4 2021 Cybersecurity Summit (February 3-4, 2021; virtual) - This event looks at the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology within the cybersecurity industry. With a use-case oriented approach to content, actionable insights are delivered from those working on the frontlines of AI in the enterprise.
Let us know where you are learning about the intersection of database, data center, and security in the comments.
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