Databases have evolved from hierarchical structures to relational database management systems with various architectures. Managing enterprise databases presents challenges due to increasing complexity, storage demands, scalability issues, and security concerns. Managed service providers can help mitigate these risks by providing expert database administration, ensuring high data availability and security, and optimizing performance, freeing internal IT teams to focus on more strategic work. Engaging a managed service provider makes particular sense for companies without full-time database administrators.