What are “db guys” in this context?

There are two distinct job functions.

1) dba - maintain OS, db software/hardware - DBs are complex beasts you want experts setting up hardware or deploying into the clown in a smarter way (virtual machines in the clown will cost you a fortune and your sanity) 2) database developers- specialists in writing sql.

The two functions work together but are distinct.

Nowadays due to private equity and Stanford MBAs we have junior engineers doing all plus “dev ops”.

It’s an absolute circus.

IMO, this is why we end up with ask these crazy DB startups - routing around the damage.

RDMS in modern hardware are insanely fast and powerful.