What happens when an developer becomes too powerful? 1

[djbow]

I am in a new situation to me for a very large company and I would like to get some perspective.

Our DBA's have changed their role when it comes to support. The end result is that we have taken on support that has any relation to applications that use the database. In order to maintain that support the DBA's have granted my more power and now I can get into the production database as DBA.

Im afraid that if we get audited, I will get in trouble. I am a developer and I have the power to do anything in production!

Is this situation common? I have never been in this position and I dont mind the work I have to do but I just feel like I if anything goes wrong, I might end up the scape goat.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[SantaMufasa]

DJBow,

Yours is a very good question. When I worked as a developer for a bank in California, we were not even allowed in the computer room unless an Auditor accompanied us, and if we were there to make some sort of change, we stood next to the Auditor while the Auditor actually made the change (either at the keyboard or otherwise). So your concern is well taken.

To ensure that you are not to be held responsible during the execution of your job description (and to simply ensure that you will not be the subject of an execution <grin>), I would express your concern to your organisation's chief legal counsel or your company's representative from your Certified Public Accounting firm. Subsequent to their recommendation, I would also obtain a written confirmation that they have reviewed your assignment and its accompanying powers and authority, and have determined that those combinations are acceptable and appropriate.

(You are also welcome to obtain a second opinion by posting your question on the forum entitled, "Information Technology Ethics in the Workplace."

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]

 

[djbow]

Thanks, I will resubmit that question there.

 

[LKBrwnDBA]

What happens when an developer becomes too powerful?

He becomes a DBA.


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The person who says it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it. -- Chinese proverb