DNS is often the focus of Linux consulting as we as a world are extremely dependent upon the resolution that DNS offers. Whether it is websites we need to access or email that we are sending, DNS is the backbone for those services. The Domain Name Service on a Linux server is usually provided by bind which often gives people trouble in managing. The reality is that DNS is not that difficult to configure it is just a lot of new concepts that are rolled into one project. As with everything, new concepts bring new terminology which increases the difficulty of managing DNS.
Typically the consulting side of managing DNS involves trying to unravel the DNS settings that are in place. It is not often that you are asked to build a new DNS server, it is usually the request to fix one that is not performing like it should. One of the things we try to do is provide standards in the implementation of DNS and encourage patterns. DNS is one of those services that can be set up in a number of ways, including various views, naming variations, configuration options. The flexibility of DNS often leads companies to configure their DNS from a number of sources without enforcing standards and patterns. Standards are important so the next one working on the server can understand how and why it is configured the way it is. Patterns are important because they enable you to spot issues outside the norms.
One other aspect that makes DNS difficult is that it takes time to realize mistakes. Because DNS needs to resolve across the world, your changes may not become apparent immediately. This adds stress to the whole process. Using tools like dig and checking DNS settings from remote locations helps to troubleshoot some of these issues before they get out of hand.
For many companies outsourcing their DNS is often cheaper in the long run than training employees. The problem with training employees in the DNS configuration is that often those employees are not around when it is time to make adjustments to the DNS server.
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