The answer is, of course, totally. While website design is likely as important, one must have a strong and reliable database behind the scenes to keep things running and provide key information - especially when your website is your business. In our class this week, this was apparent when visiting Zillow, a real estate beta with some issues. The interface isn't terribly good, but it's the database deficiencies that worried us most. Things like data normalization, required fields, input guidelines, and primary keys are absolutely essential to a healthy, productive database.
So, the next time your DBA whines about the new corporate database, tell him to drink a Red Bull and get back to work. These things are important!
