Taming technical debt: the role of the database in driving innovation

In the fast-paced world of software development, technical debt is an inevitable reality, particularly within the data layer. Technical debt refers to the future cost of complications resulting from choosing expedient, less complete solutions when meeting customer or company needs. In short, it’s the extra work you have to do later because you took shortcuts to get things done quickly now.

 

Databases, in which customer data is stored, are every organisation’s most critical asset. They are foundational to any software system, akin to the first brick in a wall. If that brick is laid incorrectly, the entire structure is compromised.

 

Given this critical role, any shortcuts taken in database management can have far-reaching consequences for the entire organisation. Other shortcuts taken across other areas of a company’s tech stack can manifest in various forms, including underinvestment in training or staffing, reliance on manual processes over automation, or the use of outdated technology. In fact, Redgate’s 2025 State of the Database Landscape report highlights that 45 per cent of organisations cite a lack of data skills and data literacy, a significant contributor to the accumulation of technical debt and hindering data-driven transformation.

 

While the benefits of these compromises can sometimes outweigh the costs, excessive shortcuts can lead to a significant accumulation of technical debt, which slows innovation and becomes expensive to reduce.

 

Technical debt in the data layer

 

One area where technical debt is particularly challenging to address is the data layer. Good database tools can be an effective way to address technical debt, helping to streamline processes, automate complex tasks and ensure safe changes to the database. These tools then free database administrators (DBAs) to focus on higher-value activities, such as improving data security and developing new solutions that bring value to customers.

 

Evolving database management systems

 

Database management systems (DBMS) have evolved significantly, with new, specialist capabilities emerging all the time, stretching human capabilities. Redgate’s report also reveals that 74 per cent of IT teams now use two or more database platforms, which further increases a business’s complex environment. If development teams are working with those environments, and prioritise rapid delivery over perfect code, technical debt accumulates interest over time, which makes future changes more difficult and costly.

 

It means technology leaders must consider how they are supporting their teams to close that gap. Do the tools your DBAs have cover all the technologies they’re expected to support? Are they resorting to manual processes because investments in DBMS tooling haven’t kept up with evolving technologies? What risks to productivity, data security and system reliability are you exposing your company to?

 

Effective database tools can help organisations tackle technical debt across three key areas: people, technology and processes. By automating repetitive tasks, these tools reduce the burden on DBAs, allowing them to concentrate on strategic initiatives. Additionally, these tools provide early alerts to potential issues, helping to prevent the excess build-up of technical debt, such as missed patch cycles.

 

Even modest investments in database tooling and paying down some of that technical debt can relieve your DBAs of the tedium of manual updates or reactive monitoring. In turn, this will free them to bring their skills and creativity to higher-value activities.

 

Addressing technical debt head-on

 

When technical debt reaches a point where it prevents further progress, it’s essential to take a step back and assess. Accountability is often lacking in situations where technical debt has accumulated, but restoring it is crucial to fixing the problem. Even if it means slowing down or incurring significant costs, addressing technical debt head-on should be seen as a necessary business priority; delays and costs will only increase if technical debt continues to be deferred.

 

This is where database modernisation comes into play. By updating and optimising your database systems, you can reduce technical debt and ensure your data layer remains robust and efficient, paving the way for smoother future progress.

 

Strategic management of technical debt

 

Managing technical debt appropriately can be strategically beneficial, particularly when the advantages of swift delivery give companies a competitive edge. Careful management, with explicit expression of the trade-offs between immediate benefits and long-term consequences, can help avoid unintended outcomes.

 

Good database tooling should be part of the solution to both avoid and fix technical debt in the data layer. Effective tools are designed to support this approach, ensuring that organisations can maintain a manageable level of technical debt while continuing to innovate and deliver value to their customers.

 

Technical debt is an unavoidable aspect of software development, but with the right tools and strategies it can be managed effectively. Effective database tools play a critical role in addressing technical debt, helping organisations to automate tasks, improve data security and focus on delivering innovative solutions. By keeping technical debt to a manageable level, companies can maintain their competitive edge and continue to grow and succeed in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

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Take the first step towards managing your technical debt today. Discover the latest insights and trends in database management by exploring Redgate’s 2025 State of the Database Landscape report. Learn how modern database tools can transform your data layer, streamline your processes and empower your team to focus on innovation.