>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>
>>>>>I'm working on a system where the user wants to scan documents and store them in a database. I'm guessing at this point that scanning will be to a TIF or JPG, but am wondering if they may be able to scan to a PDF. What would be the best field type to store these scans?
>>>>
>>>>You have a few options.
>>>>
>>>>1. Only store a path to the file in SQL Server (this is the same suggestion as using VFP tables)
>>>>
>>>>2. Use VARBINARY(max) field
>>>>
>>>>3. Use new (SQL Server 2008) FileStream option.
>>>
>>>Thanks. Which option would you recommend?
>>
>>It all depends on the requirements. The first option is the easiest to implement and it requires less storage in the database, but it adds burden on supporting / managing files in the file system.
>>
>>For SQL 2008 I'd recommend the option 3, although I personally haven't worked with it.
>
>OK, thanks, I'll do some reading up on the FileStream then.
Check this blog:
http://blog.farreachinc.com/2011/06/07/storing-files-in-sql-server-using-wcf-ria-services-and-silverlight-part-1There's some Silverlight/RIA Services stuff in there, but you should be able to pick out the stuff you need.
