There are two types of DBAs....those who know what 'should' be done and those who know what 'has' to be done. They aren't the same thing. For example....a DBA knows that developers 'should' not be given SA permissions on a database. However, a DBR knows that sometimes business rules require developers be given SA permissions. The first DBA, who won't give developers SA permission no matter what, is not a Functional DBA.....they can't function within the business. The second DBA is a Functional DBA, they realize that while they are being requested/required to do something that is not a best-practice, for the business to function the 'rule' has to be broken/ignored to make the business function. This DBA will also put in auditing/ruiles/etc so they can monitor and keep track of any mis-use when the 'rules' are relaxed/broken.

So...are you a DBA that knows when rules are meant to be 'bent' to allow a business to function? Or are you a DBA that sticks to the best-practice rules even if it will hamper the business?

-SQLBill