Custom Solution - Database vs. NFS

[s***@gmail.com]

Howdy,

In building a document management solution, what do y'all think about
storing the scanned images in a database versus saving them in a
directory on the file system and storing a link to the file in the
database. I can certainly see where the database is needed to store
relevant textual information about the scanned image but I'm wondering
about the image itself.

I figured y'all would be one of the more knowledgeable places to ask.

[b***@rjssoftware.com]

Post by s***@gmail.com
Howdy,
In building adocumentmanagementsolution, what do y'all think about
storing the scanned images in a database versus saving them in a
directory on the file system and storing a link to the file in the
database.  I can certainly see where the database is needed to store
relevant textual information about the scanned image but I'm wondering
about the image itself.
I figured y'all would be one of the more knowledgeable places to ask.

I would highly recommend NOT storing the actual image file inside the
database with the search meta data. This is typically known as
"blobbing" the data and image together. The reason that I typically
recommend this is that if you are purchasing a solution for your
business and you go the blob database route, if you ever have to
migrate away from the imaging system becuase of fit, the software
provider going out of business or the product ending life and
support...then you would need to be able to migrate the images and
database information off to another system easily. Blobbing the
database with the images makes it very difficult to migrate away this
type of system and usually requires that you purchase a SDK or
migration toolkit from the software provider since they typically make
the data a little more proprietary or locked down. If you
could...purchase or build a solution that is database driven (SQL,
DB2, mySQL or otherwise) and then store the actual images on Optical
(for legal purposes), NAS, SAN, or on board DASD storage.

If you're looking for commercial options for document management
solutions...feel free and contact me. I work for a organization that
develops software for this market.

Bill Whalen
RJS Software Systems, CDIA+
952-898-3038
http://www.rjssoftware.com