Which of the following is NOT a key function of a data administrator?

• A. Developing a company's product roadmap.
• B. Tuning database management systems.
• C. Selection and evaluation of and training on database technology.
• D. Physical placement of databases on specific computes and storage devices.

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested here is what duties fall under data administration versus broader business planning. A data administrator is focused on how data is stored, managed, and accessed, and on the technologies that support it. Tuning database management systems is about optimizing performance and behavior of the DBMS, which is a core data administration task. Selection and evaluation of database technology, along with training on that technology, involves choosing appropriate database tools and making sure people know how to use them—another fundamental data admin responsibility. The physical placement of databases on specific compute and storage devices deals with deployment and infrastructure considerations to ensure data is efficiently stored and retrieved.

Developing a company’s product roadmap, however, is a strategic business activity handled by product management or leadership. It determines what products to build, features to include, and timelines, which lies outside the scope of data administration. So the item that does not fit as a key data administrator function is the product roadmap development.