Your database is a critical asset, but managing it 24/7 across multiple technologies is a major challenge. Maintaining uptime, ensuring security compliance, and expertly scaling diverse platforms like Oracle, SQL Server, AWS Aurora, and MongoDB can overwhelm in-house IT teams. This pressure leads many companies to look for database managed service providers (MSPs) for specialized support.
Hyperscalers and specialized DBaaS
Major cloud providers offering database as a service (DBaaS) and independent, specialized MSPs dominate the database services market. It’s important to know the difference. Unsure about the terms "database managed services" and "managed database services"? You're not alone; to most, they sound similar and are often used interchangeably. To learn more, read our blog post exploring the difference between "database managed services" and "managed database services."
Cloud-native DBaaS (hyperscalers)
These are managed services offered directly by the main cloud providers. They excel at infrastructure automation and low-level patching, but often require customers to retain expertise for tuning, complex cross-platform migrations, and license optimization.
- Oracle Autonomous Database: Best for organizations heavily invested in the Oracle ecosystem, offering high levels of self-management
- Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service)/Aurora & DynamoDB: Excellent native solutions for AWS-centric organizations, offering scalability and elasticity
- Azure SQL Database and Cosmos DB: Strong integration and flexibility for enterprises using the Microsoft Azure stack
- MongoDB Atlas: A leading choice for NoSQL workloads, providing simplified deployment across all major clouds
Independent, full-service database managed service providers (MSP)
Database managed services and managed database services are often used interchangeably. Database managed service providers (MSP) have database consultants and administrators (DBA)s who deliver services such as database management, monitoring and support. Database managed service providers (MSP) are often best for businesses with complex hybrid environments, multi-cloud strategies, and organizations that need integrated support across various technologies and cloud providers.
Here is a look at the top providers in the market and where they fit.
Pythian
Pythian supports your business goals by modernizing and optimizing data in the cloud, rather than just managing tickets. We specialize in complex, hybrid environments across Oracle, SQL Server, and open-source platforms, as well as cloud migrations on Google Cloud, AWS, and Azure. Our teams transition the DBA role from reactive maintenance to strategic support, which helps you scale cost-effectively and rely on data-driven decision-making.
Datavail
Datavail Datavail provides remote DBA services and data engineering. They use a tiered support model for organizations that need coverage across applications and databases like Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and MongoDB. Their services are primarily used to fill staffing gaps for routine administration and monitoring tasks.
Percona
Percona operates exclusively within the open-source ecosystem, covering MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB. They provide performance tuning and consulting specifically for these platforms. Their services are limited to open-source technologies and do not cover commercial databases such as Oracle or SQL Server.
SADA
SADA is primarily a cloud technology consulting firm with a focus on Google Cloud services. They assist organizations with cloud migration and infrastructure modernization. While they offer managed services, they specialize in deploying and optimizing cloud-native applications and data solutions rather than traditional, on-premises database administration.
Deloitte
Deloitte includes database managed services in its "Operate" portfolio. These services are designed for large enterprises that outsource non-core business processes and IT operations. This model functions as part of a broad, global agreement to handle strategy and implementation across the business stack.
Accenture
Accenture provides database management as part of broader business transformation projects. They use cloud adoption and automation to manage changes in infrastructure. This approach is for Global 2000 companies where database administration is one component of a larger strategic overhaul.
Buchanan Technologies
Buchanan Technologies offers general managed IT solutions. They include database administration as part of a wider support package that also covers end-user support and network infrastructure. This option bundles database maintenance with other IT helpdesk functions.
Virtusa
Virtusa combines database management with engineering services. They support both traditional RDBMS and NoSQL platforms during modernization projects. Their services are directed at companies that need to manage data pipelines while updating legacy systems.
CGI
CGI offers managed database services with a focus on compliance and systems integration. They work with commercial entities and organizations that require strict adherence to regulatory standards. Their model prioritizes stability within regulated environments.
What sets a top MSP apart?
When you evaluate a database managed service providers, size matters less than deep expertise and the ability to handle your specific needs. The best database managed service providers blend human experience with the right technology expertise.
Certified consultants with expertise across all database technologies and platforms
The top database managed service providers don't specialize in just one database. Instead, they have database consultants with decades of experience managing a diverse range of databases, from legacy systems like DB2 and Sybase to cloud data warehouses like Snowflake and BigQuery. This flexibility means they can handle complex migrations and support your hybrid environment without vendor bias.
24/7/365 global database coverage and proactive AIOps
Look for a partner with a “follow-the-sun” model, so certified database consultants are always active in your time zone. The database managed service providers should have experience use artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) to predict issues, automate routine tasks, and reduce 'mean time to resolution' (MTTR). This mix of human skill and machine intelligence is key.
Strategic experience reducing database costs
The right database managed service providers partner provides complete database management throughout the entire lifecycle. Database managed service providers not only fix errors, optimize configurations, but ensure customers manage cloud spending, and ensure licensing compliance to improve stability and lowers your total cost of ownership (TCO).
Pythian: The best database managed service provider
While the list of database managed service providers is extensive, Pythian stands out as a pioneer, with almost three (3) decades delivering database managed services to global customers (many who have been with us for decades). Pythian is know for our renowned technical depth and commitment to delivering guaranteed outcomes for their global customers.
Pythian’s differentiators
- Multi-database technology and platform expertise: We have a roster of database consultants who have expertise in the databases you use. We support 45+ database, cloud, and analytics technologies.
- Focus on database optimization: Our database managed service includes continuous cost governance and database performance tuning to ensure long-term efficiency.
- Strategic partnership: We transition the DBA role from reactive maintenance to strategic support for your innovation and business growth.
Why is Pythian the right choice?
Choosing the right database managed service providers is the most critical decision your IT department will make this year. It's about securing peace of mind, gaining access to world-class expertise, and ensuring your data infrastructure is ready for the future of AI and advanced analytics.
Don't settle for basic monitoring or rigid vendor contracts. Demand a partner that offers both the breadth of expertise and the strategic commitment to your success.
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}