Although this practice (storing binary data inside SQL via Binary Large Objects) is common through business systems such as ERP, Accounting, etc., the difference is that CAD data is much larger in terms of filesize. Therefore, Autodesk made the correct choice to only store the metadata inside SQL and use a pointer to the external filestore. This keeps the database nimble and small, at least, when compared to what it would be otherwise.
The only downside of the seperation is that you can't use pure SQL backup tools to archive the vault. But, on the upside, this also allows Autodesk and VAR's to resotre your DB without the filestore in situations where the files aren't needed so it has some upside as well.
Ryan Small
National Team Leader, Data Management and Software Development
SolidCAD, a Cansel Company (an Autodesk Platinum Partner)
www.solidcad.ca
