This component enables you to manage your database using the Computing Center Management System (CCMS). With CCMS, you get extensive support in database administration (DBA) and can perform many DBA functions from within the R/3 System.

SAP recommends you to use CCMS for DBA where possible. The advantage of using CCMS is that you have a central point for managing your database. You also get the full advantage of the R/3 System graphical user interface (GUI), for example, when displaying space usage in your database.

CCMS is a standard part of the R/3 System. Therefore, you can use it without problem as part of your overall DBA activities.

The main functions for DBA in CCMS are as follows:

• DBA Planning Calendar
• Update statistics, using the cost-based optimizer
• Database System Check
• Database Monitor
• Database Alert Monitor

Since the functionality and appearance differs slightly from database to database, the functions are described separately for each database.

You have to perform certain DBA functions outside the R/3 System, that is, using tools supplied by the database manufacturer or developed for each database by SAP (for example, for doing an offline database backup). An example of a DBA tool outside the R/3 System is SAPDBA, available for the Informix and Oracle databases.