SQL & Image Files 4

[VoIPP]

I no little of SQL.

I want know if SQL can store PDF or GIF files.

It is for an application process where salesman collect application information from customers. There will be some data we want to maintain in a database to track the process of applications as well as signed forms that the salesman will upload as PDF or GIF files.

I am considering SQL because we are installing Small Business Server and we can get the Premium package for not too much more than the standard.

Anyone know of a database that will store PDF's and GIF's?

 

[gmmastros]

Yes. SQL can store pdf's, gif', or any other kind of file. If you are using SQL2005 or better, then I would recommend you create a varbinary(max) column in a table (along with other identifier columns). You can store any stream of data to a varbinary column. How you implement this is specific to your front end language.

-George

"The great things about standards is that there are so many to choose from." - Fortune Cookie Wisdom

 

[bborissov]

In addition to George IF you use SQL Server 2008 you could check new FILESTREEM data type. It saves the files as External to database file. That way you won't exceed the max limit of Database size limit because these fiels are not stored in it.

Borislav Borissov
VFP9 SP2, SQL Server 2000/2005.

 

[bborissov]

Oops, its FILESTREAM not FILESTREEM

Borislav Borissov
VFP9 SP2, SQL Server 2000/2005.

 

[VoIPP]

We're probably looking at about 10,000 customer records.

Could this be done in Access?

 

[bborissov]

Access as a frontend and SQL Server as a BackEnd or Full access application?

BTW why only me is stared? I just have addition to George's answer

Borislav Borissov
VFP9 SP2, SQL Server 2000/2005.

 

[markros]

I like your answer, Boris. I think I don't know all new data types in SQL Server 2008, need to do a bit of research.

BTW, good interview question - tell me all new data types in SQL Server 2008

 

[nice95gle]

You can have a star from me George

Well Done is better than well said
- Ben Franklin

 

[RiverGuy]

BTW why only me is stared?

That was me...I hadn't know about the new filestream data type yet and was thinking it just might come in handy in the near future.

 

[bborissov]

O?
Thanks RiverGuy. I assumed that VoIPP gave me the star

Borislav Borissov
VFP9 SP2, SQL Server 2000/2005.

 

[gmmastros]

Shhh.... nobody tell Boris how he got a second star. Let's keep him guessing for a couple days.


-George

"The great things about standards is that there are so many to choose from." - Fortune Cookie Wisdom

 

[bborissov]

Thanks George.

Borislav Borissov
VFP9 SP2, SQL Server 2000/2005.

 

[markros]

You know that I love giving stars as well as receiving So, take one

Besides, I think I didn't know about FIELSTREAM either.