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ABSOLUTE DATA EXCELLENCE
VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS
FROM THE DESK OF THE MD
Partner with Ascent Technology for 24/7 Managed DBA Services backed by certified expertise, guaranteed response times, and ISO 27001 governance. Key Takeaways Database management is now a 24/7 responsibility, with performance, security, and compliance requiring...
Discover why Microsoft Fabric is central to Microsoft’s Data & AI strategy, and how Ascent Technology helps organisations unify data, simplify operations, and achieve AI-driven success. Key Takeways Microsoft Fabric unifies data on a single platform, eliminating silos...
Discover how Ascent Technology’s Modernise–Optimise–Protect framework, powered by Microsoft Fabric, OneLake, and Copilot, builds secure, AI-ready platforms that unlock business value. Key Takeways AI success starts with a modern, unified foundation – Microsoft Fabric...
CAMPAIGNS
Still paying Microsoft for Azure by credit card? Discover why finance and IT leaders prefer the CSP model for predictable billing, built-in partner support, cost optimisation, and long-term value. Key Takeways Credit card billing creates risk - Failed or expired...
On July 9, 2024, support for SQL Server 2014 ended. That means the end of regular security updates. Don't let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected. We're here to help you migrate to current versions for greater security, performance and innovation....
On July 12, 2022, support for SQL Server 2012 ended. That means the end of regular security updates. Don't let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected. We're here to help you migrate to current versions for greater security, performance and innovation....
NEWSFLASHES
Standardised pricing will replace Microsoft’s long-standing tiered discount model - prompting many organisations to review the CSP programme for its cost savings, licensing flexibility, and simplified management. Microsoft Tiered EA/MPSA Pricing Ends Microsoft will...
Facing platform ‘end of life’ issues together with increasing pressures to digitise processes, increase profitability and innovate on product and service, organisations are finding Data Platform Modernisation projects can deliver significant value by enabling IT cost...
CLIENT CASE STUDIES
First Distribution’s Database Administration, Security and Compliance needs lead it to trusted advisor, Ascent Technology. For any large organisation, Database Administration (DBA) is a vital part of maintaining their Data Platform Operations effectively. As it has...
When Bidfood SA chose to modernise and migrate its data platform to Microsoft Azure, it turned to Ascent Technology for help. In a world that is digitally transforming, it is more vital than ever to an organisation’s success to utilise the latest platforms to drive...
A Windows Server and SQL Server consolidation, optimisation and migration to Microsoft Azure enables the company to reduce costs, modernise its data platform and boost its innovation capabilities. As an operator running two distinct betting businesses, Phumelela...
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Ascent Technology continues its strong showing in the Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, as a finalist in the Data and Analytics Partner of the Year award. Finalist Data and Analytics Partner of the Year "It is always gratifying to be recognised by Microsoft as one...
Ensure continuous database performance and compliance with Ascent Technology’s Managed DBA Service. Get 24/7 monitoring, ISO 27001 governance, and expert DBA support for SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more – trusted by enterprises across South Africa and beyond.
Modern organisations run on data – but as environments expand across cloud and hybrid platforms, keeping databases secure, available, and optimised has become more complex and costly than ever.
With skilled database administrators in short supply and the pressure for 24/7 uptime rising, many IT teams end up reacting to issues instead of preventing them.
That’s where Ascent Technology’s Managed DBA Service – trusted by enterprises across South Africa and beyond – comes in.
We provide the expertise, tools, and proactive database monitoring to keep your platforms performing at their best. You can co-manage or fully outsource your DBA operations, backed by guaranteed SLAs, measurable results, and ISO 27001-aligned governance.
With more than two decades of experience, Ascent Technology helps organisations modernise, optimise, protect – and expertly manage – their database environments with confidence.
In today’s data-driven world, effective database administration is essential to business resilience and performance. Neglecting this critical function doesn’t just risk downtime – it leads to silent performance losses, escalating costs, and compliance exposure that build up over time.
From under-tuned workloads and missed patches to inconsistent backup policies and unverified recovery plans, even minor oversights can compromise productivity and data integrity.
A proactive DBA service model changes that.
By combining 24/7 monitoring, structured maintenance, and continuous optimisation, Ascent Technology helps organisations move from reactive firefighting to predictable performance – freeing internal teams to focus on innovation, not maintenance.
Leading organisations across industries choose Ascent Technology because our Managed DBA Service delivers proactive management, deep platform expertise, and measurable results that drive long-term value.
Contact Us About DB Admin.
Every process, task, and change we manage is designed to reduce downtime, enhance performance, and strengthen compliance.
Our Database Administration Outsourcing Service ensures your database environments remain secure, optimised, and available 24/7, through a proven operational framework that combines automation, expertise, and measurable accountability.
This framework delivers complete visibility and control over your managed database operations – seamlessly integrating with your internal IT governance model.
A proven framework guides how Ascent Technology delivers continuous, proactive database management through our Managed DBA Service.
Our process ensures every database under our care remains stable, secure, and continuously optimised – all with complete transparency and measurable results.
Each engagement follows a structured Monitor – Maintain – Optimise – Report cycle designed to keep your environments predictable, high-performing, and fully compliant.
Our Framework:
| Phase | What We Do | Your Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor | 24/7 automated scheduled checks, alerting, and incident response. | Rapid detection and resolution of potential issues before they affect users. |
| Maintain | Regular patching, backup validation, integrity checks, and scheduled maintenance. | Ensured database health, security, and compliance with ISO 27001 processes. |
| Optimise | Continuous performance tuning, query analysis, and resource right-sizing. | Lower cloud costs, improved response times, and sustained scalability. |
| Report | Monthly Health & Security Report, Patch & Change Log, and Quarterly Performance Review. | Clear visibility and accountability for every managed database. |
These reports also integrate seamlessly with the Database Health Check Service (DB Health) and Database Security and Compliance Service (DB Shield) for complete data-platform visibility and governance alignment.
Every organisation manages its database environment differently.
Whether you need to fill a skills gap, extend coverage, or fully outsource database operations, Ascent Technology offers flexible engagement models that align with your budget, risk profile, and governance requirements.
Engagement Models:
| Model | Description | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Managed DBA Service | We work alongside your internal IT or data team, providing 24/7 coverage, escalation, and specialist expertise. | Ideal for organisations with in-house DBAs needing scale, after-hours coverage, or advanced skills. |
| Fully Outsourced DBA Service | Ascent Technology assumes complete responsibility for day-to-day database administration, management, and optimisation. | Suited for businesses seeking predictable cost, guaranteed SLA performance, and complete peace of mind. |
Our DBA operations are conducted under ISO 27001-certified information-security practices and align closely with our Database Security and Compliance Service (DB Shield).
We maintain strict change-management protocols to protect data integrity and ensure continuous compliance, including:
Together, these controls provide full audit readiness and governance assurance across every managed database environment.
Every Ascent Technology Managed DBA Service engagement is defined by transparent reporting and measurable outcomes.
These deliverables give you complete visibility into the health, performance, and security of your database environments.
Maintaining reliable database operations in-house has become increasingly complex and expensive.
From skills shortages and retention challenges to 24/7 coverage expectations, internal teams often struggle to balance reactive support with strategic innovation.
By contrast, outsourcing or co-managing your DBA function with Ascent Technology’s Managed DBA Service provides scalability, compliance, and predictable cost efficiency – while keeping you firmly in control of your data.
The following comparison outlines how our outsourced DBA model delivers measurable value, resilience, and operational confidence compared to maintaining an in-house team.
Coverage and Scalability – Delivering 24/7 reliability and instant scalability while optimising resources.
| Category | In-House DBA Team | Ascent DB Admin |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Limited to business hours; coverage gaps during leave or after-hours. | 24/7 monitoring and incident response with guaranteed SLA response times. |
| Scalability | Constrained by recruitment and training cycles. | Instantly scalable support capacity that adapts to workload demands without hiring delays. |
| Cost Efficiency | High fixed costs plus recruitment, training, and retention overheads. | Flexible subscription model with predictable monthly costs and no HR overheads. |
With Ascent’s Managed DBA Service, you gain both the scale and agility of an enterprise-grade operations team – without the complexity or fixed costs of building it in-house.
Compliance and Continuity – Building audit-ready governance, security, and business resilience.
| Category | In-House DBA Team | Ascent DB Admin |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Depth | Skills may be limited to specific platforms or versions. | Broad multi-platform expertise across Azure SQL, SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more. |
| Security & Compliance | Inconsistent controls; dependent on internal policies. | Operates under ISO 27001 governance, with full audit trails and POPIA / GDPR alignment. |
| Change Management | Informal or ad hoc change processes. | Formalised ITIL-aligned change management with approval workflows and rollback plans. |
| Business Continuity | Risk of single points of failure or “key man” dependency. | Built-in redundancy, cross-trained teams, and documented continuity plans. |
With Ascent’s Managed DBA Service, your database operations are protected by enterprise-grade governance, ensuring compliance, continuity, and peace of mind – even in the most demanding environments.
Value and Strategic Impact – Transforming database management into measurable business performance.
| Category | In-House DBA Team | Ascent DB Admin |
|---|---|---|
| Proactivity | Often reactive due to workload and competing priorities. | Continuous performance tuning and monthly optimisation reports extend database lifespan and efficiency. |
| Reporting & Accountability | Manual reporting with limited visibility. | Automated, scheduled reports on health, performance, and compliance delivered monthly and quarterly. |
| Strategic Value | Focus on maintenance over innovation. | Internal teams refocus on strategic initiatives while Ascent ensures operational excellence. |
Partnering with Ascent Technology’s Managed DBA Service helps transform database management from a cost centre into a strategic enabler – driving innovation, agility, and measurable long-term value.
Building on these advantages, partnering with Ascent Technology’s Managed DBA Service delivers measurable improvements across cost, performance, and compliance – outcomes that translate directly into long-term operational value.
DB Admin forms part of Ascent Technology’s integrated database and data-platform service suite – working seamlessly alongside our Database System Health Check Service (DB Health) and Database Security and Compliance Service (DB Shield) to deliver complete data assurance.
With DB Health: Findings from DB Health feed a prioritised optimisation roadmap that DB Admin executes and maintains for measurable, sustained performance.
With DB Shield: DB Admin pairs day-to-day operations with continuous security and compliance monitoring – closing audit gaps and reducing risk in real time.
Together: These services deliver reliable operations, verified protection, and continuous improvement – ensuring your databases are modernised, optimised, and protected for long-term success.
Positioned within Ascent’s Modernise – Optimise – Protect framework, DB Admin anchors the Optimise pillar, reinforced by DB Health under Modernise and DB Shield under Protect for holistic data assurance.
Ascent Technology’s Managed DBA Service delivers exceptional value and measurable performance improvements compared to expanding internal database teams.
With 24/7 support, ISO 27001 governance, and deep multi-platform expertise, Ascent ensures your databases operate optimally, securely, and efficiently – every day.
By choosing Ascent, you gain more than a managed service – you gain a performance partner focused on long-term results and continuous improvement.
Your Database Environment – Modernised, Optimised, and Protected
Every hour of downtime, every missed update, and every performance bottleneck has a cost. With Ascent Technology as your partner, those risks disappear – replaced by predictable performance, measurable results, and complete visibility.
Choosing Ascent means partnering with a Managed DBA Service provider focused on outcomes, reliability, and long-term value – not just maintenance.
Here’s what you can expect when you partner with us:
Partnering with Ascent Technology’s Managed DBA Service delivers tangible advantages that enhance operational performance, reduce risk, and free your team to focus on strategic priorities.
Let’s explore how our Managed DBA Service can modernise, optimise, and protect your database environment – delivering the outcomes your business depends on.
| Can we retain some control and co-manage with Ascent? |
| Absolutely. Many clients prefer our co-managed model, where their internal DBAs handle daily operations while Ascent provides 24/7 coverage, escalation, and optimisation. |
| Is outsourcing database administration secure? |
| Yes. Ascent Technology operates under ISO 27001-certified processes, with strict access controls, audit trails, and full POPIA / GDPR alignment to ensure your data remains secure at all times. |
| What types of databases does Ascent support? |
| We manage all major platforms — including Azure SQL, SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Amazon RDS — across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. |
| How quickly can you start supporting our environment? |
| Onboarding typically begins within a few days of agreement. A discovery and audit phase ensures a smooth transition, with no downtime or disruption to your business. |
Ready to eliminate database management, maintenance, and performance challenges?
Contact Us today and discover how our Managed DBA Service can deliver stability, scalability, and long-term performance for your business.