What technique should a database administrator use to observe and analyze the initial performance of a database system over time?

• A. Baseline configuration/trending
• B. Data encryption
• C. Load balancing
• D. Data normalization

Answer: (A)

The technique of baseline configuration/trending is utilized by database administrators to observe and analyze the initial performance of a database system over time. This method involves establishing a baseline or a reference point for performance metrics when the database is configured and operating under optimal conditions. By collecting performance data at regular intervals, administrators can track trends, identify performance degradation, and compare current performance against the established baseline.

This approach is crucial because it enables administrators to make informed decisions about necessary optimizations, resource allocations, and adjustments to ensure the database continues to perform efficiently. By understanding how the performance metrics fluctuate over time, they can attribute changes to specific events or configurations, thus facilitating proactive management of the database's health and performance.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes. Data encryption focuses on securing data rather than performance analysis. Load balancing pertains to distributing workloads across multiple resources to improve responsiveness and avoid overloads, which is not directly related to initial performance observation. Data normalization involves organizing data to reduce redundancy, which impacts database structure but not the direct monitoring of overall system performance over time.