SQL 2008 FileStream DataType

I've just been reading up on the new data type in SQL2008 - FileStream sqlservercentral.com

At first I thought it was a brilliant idea, personally I've been using binary file types for ages to hold images, SWF files, etc.  And I know it can slow the database down terribly if things start getting out of hand size wise.  I thought this was going to be a new data type which would streamline this process and make it a lot easier to handle.  But it sounds like it simply uses SQL as an interface to store your files in the windows file system.  i.e. SQL creates an entry for the file then puts in tidily away in the file system for you, whilst keeping all the references upto date.

That got me thinking - well that's a cop out, it's just going back to the old way of doing things, e.g just storing a link to a file not storing the file as binary within the database. 

But thinking further it is quite a clever idea:
  • It reduces the load & size of the database
  • It doesn't limit the size of file stored
  • It allows you to use compressed file system folders 
  • It stops you having to worry about file/database references getting out of date.
I've not been to any of the microsoft conferences this year so I've not had a proper introduction to it, but I wondered what other peoples thoughts were on it.

Posted by: Dean
Posted on: 9/28/2008 at 6:25 PM
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Realworld Social Tagging Device - SekaiCamera

Personally I love mashups the idea of taking two or more datasources and putting them together to give a brand new application seems such a good idea.  I've just come across this application which takes the whole idea of mashups to another level.

The SekaiCamera takes information from your iphones camera and using your location feeds you information about the area you're looking at as tags, so for example say you were on a high street you could look at your phones screen and it would tag each shop with information about products, prices, etc. Or highlight events or online photographes taken in that location from say Flickr.

It would be amazing to take this idea one step further and have it as a HUD display on your sunglasses but I guess I'm getting into Minority Report territory here.  I wonder how long it will be before marketeers realise the potential of this application to drive people to their store with offers etc.  


Posted by: Dean
Posted on: 9/13/2008 at 8:50 AM
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