I posted this at:http://www.brentozar.com/archive/2009/03/should-i-specialize/#comment-48578%5B/b%5D

Do DBAs think that lot more 3rd party tools (specially on a troubleshooting side..back/restore etc) like redgate, idera, lightspeed would lessen the need of a full time DBA in near future?

Also is that mean as a DBA its time to be also good at either BI and Development too to be in demand? Most jobs in UK ask for not just DBA they also add some either BI skills or Dev?

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Brent's Reply:

No matter how much training material you have until you work on a real BI project its not good enough but I guess you have the basic to hit the ground running and have the advantage against other candidates etc…

A lot of the tools out there do make life easier for the people who have to manage SQL Server. Some of their clients are able to get away without a DBA altogether just based on good development skills plus tools. Of course, when something breaks, that’s when you need the SQL Server focus.

Tools have been around for decades. We still need people to use the tools. Now, if you WANT to get good at BI or development, then do so. Don’t do it because you think the DBA career is over.

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Personally at this stage with just around 3yrs under my belt as DBA, I feel there is lot more to deal with as DBA. Hence ideally I would like to focus on DBA skills (dont mind some dev..) and in future add more BI or Dev side I suppose..

Does anyone have their own thoughts??