Understanding document storage space requirements

When estimating the disk space needed for a Meridian application server or file server, there are many variables involved:

• The number of vaults that will reside on the server
• The number of documents that will reside in each vault
• The size of the documents that will be stored in each vault
• The number of revisions of each document
• The type of database engine used (Hypertrieve, SQL Server, or Oracle)
• The number of properties that will be used in each vault
• The amount of data stored in each property

With all of these variables, an accurate disk space calculation is nearly impossible. But you can make a rough estimate with these formulas:

• Stream storage space for each vault = Number of documents ´ average document size ´ number of document revisions + 20 percent future growth.
• Database storage space = 0.6 to 1.0 GB per 100,000 documents. Triple the storage space if Hypertrieve is used, to allow for backup snapshot files. Double the storage space if SQL Server or Oracle is used (allow additional space for database replicas, if required).

These are rough estimates only, but should give you a good start on estimating server disk space requirements.

We strongly recommend that vaults be located on a different drive on the same server from the Meridian program files. The streams can be stored on any local or network storage device accessible by Windows via a UNC address and the account under which the EDM Server service is run. Vaults cannot be located on mapped drives, which require an interactive logon session. However, local disk storage typically provides the best performance and reliability. Database files should be located on the fastest possible drives. For information about using different disk subsystem types, see Understanding the effects of disk subsystems in theBlueCielo Meridian Enterprise Administrator's Guide.

Note Windows normally uses extended memory to cache data before writing it to virtual memory on disk. However, Windows does not do this if a Hypertrieve database is stored on a network device accessed by a UNC location. In that case, Windows assumes that the data could be modified by other users since it does not reside on the local computer. Therefore, consider enabling the High Performance Option as described in About the High Performance Option in theBlueCielo Meridian Enterprise Administrator's Guide even with moderate size vaults if performance seems inadequate in such a configuration.