The Hidden Deficit
Remote DBA vs. Full-Time Staff: A Cost Analysis
Client Profile
A mid-sized logistics company with a 24/7 operating requirement
Challenge
High operational costs and coverage gaps with internal staff
The Challenge
The client was maintaining a team of three full-time Senior Database Administrators (DBAs) to ensure 24/7 coverage for their critical supply chain databases. Despite this investment, they faced significant challenges:
Coverage Gaps
Sickness, vacations, and staff turnover frequently left the night shift uncovered
Retention Issues
Average tenure of a DBA was under 18 months, leading to constant recruiting cycles
Skill Stagnation
Internal team lacked exposure to newer cloud technologies, hindering modernization efforts
The Analysis: True Cost of Ownership
We conducted a comprehensive audit of their "True Cost of Ownership" (TCO) for the internal team versus our Remote DBA Managed Service. Most companies look only at salary, but the hidden costs of employment add an average of 40% to the base expense.
Annual Cost Comparison
3-Person Internal Team vs. Remote DBA Managed Service
| Cost Category | Internal Team (3 Senior DBAs) | Remote DBA Managed Service |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salaries |
$405,000
Avg $135k/each | $0 |
| Benefits & Taxes (30%) | $121,500 | $0 |
| Recruiting & Onboarding |
$45,000
Avg 1 hire/year | $0 |
| Training & Certifications | $15,000 | $15,000 Included |
| Monitoring Tools/Software | $30,000 | $30,000 Included |
| Annual Service Fee | — | $180,000 |
| Total Annual Cost | $616,500 | $180,000 |
|
3-Year Total Cost
Long-term commitment | $1,849,500 | $540,000 |
Internal Team (3 Senior DBAs)
Remote DBA Managed Service
The Solution
The client transitioned to our Remote DBA Managed Service. We provided:
Guaranteed 24/7 Coverage
A "follow-the-sun" model ensured a fresh, alert DBA was always watching the screens, regardless of the hour
Access to Experts
Instead of three generalists, the client gained access to our entire bench of specialists
Proactive Monitoring
Enterprise-grade monitoring stack replaced their patchwork of manual scripts
The Results
By eliminating hidden employment costs and gaining access to specialized expertise, the client achieved significant cost savings while simultaneously improving service quality and enabling strategic initiatives.
Ready to Uncover Your Hidden Deficit?
Let us conduct a complimentary TCO analysis for your organization. You might be surprised by what you find.