Artificial intelligence is changing the way companies manage their data. AI-powered tools can optimize queries, schedule backups, and monitor performance 24/7. But here’s the reality: relying solely on an AI DBA without human oversight is a gamble that could cost your business more than it saves. 

At Main Street Technical Services, we’ve supported enterprise databases for over 25 years with one of the most experienced DBA teams in the industry. We leverage AI as a tool, but our DBAs are the brains that keep your data safe, optimized, and aligned with your business goals. 

And as one recent story proves, AI can’t replace human judgment.. Let’s dive into it! 

What is an AI DBA? 

An AI DBA is a system that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to perform tasks traditionally handled by a human database administrator. This can include: 

• Monitoring database health 

• Indexing and query optimization 

• Automating routine maintenance 

• Detecting anomalies in performance 

• Generating recommendations for efficiency 

  
  

While AI DBAs can be fast and consistent, they can’t fully grasp business context, strategic priorities, or the long-term consequences of their actions, which is where human DBAs are required. 

How an AI DBA Accidentally Deleted an Entire Database 

SQL Server expert, Brent Ozar, shared a story about a fully autonomous AI DBA that highlights the risks. 

Without being told to, the AI deleted an entire database. No malicious code, no human error, just an AI interpreting its “maintenance” mission in a way no human DBA ever would. Fortunately, it was able to restore the database, but the incident underscores a key point:  AI doesn’t understand consequences; it just executes. 

With Main Street’s DBAs, every change, every patch, and every optimization are evaluated in the context of your business priorities before it’s implemented. 

Risks of AI-Only Database Administration 

Going AI-only might seem like a cost-saving move, but it can create hidden risks: 

• Misinterpretation of Inputs: AI may execute commands incorrectly, leading to data loss or downtime. 

• Lack of Business Awareness: AI doesn’t know about your busiest sales day, compliance deadlines, or mission-critical transactions. 

• Security Vulnerabilities: Without human review, AI is susceptible to manipulated inputs or blind spots in threat detection. 

• Limited Recovery Skills: AI can follow a playbook, but complex disaster recovery requires human judgment. 

  
  

Main Street’s DBAs provide real-time oversight, layered security checks, and proactive risk management, ensuring AI is an assistant, not a liability. 

Why a Human DBA is Still Essential 

A skilled DBA does far more than keeping your databases online. They operate at the intersection of technology and business strategy, making decisions that protect your data, optimize performance, and ensure compliance. 

At Main Street, our fractional DBAs approach every task with context. Before a change is made, we consider how it will impact performance, uptime, and long-term scalability. We understand that not all workloads are created equal, what’s optimal for one client’s SQL Server environment may not suit another’s Oracle or MySQL deployment. Our team brings decades of experience managing migrations, preventing outages, responding to cyber incidents, and guiding organizations through compliance audits. 

This blend of technical expertise and business awareness is something no AI DBA can replicate. We don’t just follow rules, we interpret them, adapt them, and apply them to your unique environment.  

The Future: Human DBA + AI Partnership 

The future of database administration isn’t about replacing humans with AI — it’s about combining the strengths of both. AI can monitor performance 24/7, detect anomalies in milliseconds, and handle repetitive maintenance tasks without fatigue.  

But critical decisions, risk assessments, and strategic optimizations should always be led by an experienced DBA.  

• Let AI handle the heavy lifting of monitoring, reporting, and routine optimizations. 

• Empower DBAs to focus on strategy, architecture, and high-priority troubleshooting. 

• Build safeguards where every AI-driven action gets human review before execution. 

Beyond database management, our AI enablement services help organizations integrate artificial intelligence into broader IT workflows, applications, and decision-making processes, safely and strategically.  

Learn More About Our DBA and AI Enablement Services 

Your databases are the backbone of your organization. Entrusting them entirely to AI without human oversight is a risk you can’t afford. Main Street Technical Services combines the power of AI with the proven expertise of one of the most experienced on-shore DBA teams in the industry. 

Contact us today to learn how Main Street’s human-led, AI-powered approach can keep your databases secure, compliant, and performing at their best.