For Business Central online, there is a limit to how much data we allow each tenant to store in the environment (database). If a tenant exceeds this limit, we contact the partner and work with them to reduce the size of the data. The limit for the size of each environment’s data in Business Central is currently set to 80 GB.
Although a soft limit of 80 GB, there are solutions to minimise the risk of reaching or exceeding this limit. There are multiple ways to store your files in the cloud while making them available to our Business Central – 3 ways are discussed below. While these solutions are targeted for Business Central you can also use them in all other NAV implementations.
Storing the files inside the database
This solution is by far the simplest to implement. It also has drawbacks, the first of which is that storing files inside your database can cause it to increase in size and affect the performance. Business Central is an ERP and not a file storage. While it is possible to store your files inside your database, it is not recommended.
OneDrive / SharePoint
This solution requires a SharePoint subscription. Microsoft Graph can be utilised to share files across all platforms. “Microsoft Graph is the gateway to data and intelligence in Microsoft 365. It provides a unified programmability model that you can use to access the tremendous amount of data in Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security. Use the wealth of data in Microsoft Graph to build apps for organizations and consumers that interact with millions of users.”
Azure blob storage
Similar to SharePoint but without all the jazz. SharePoint provides a very simple file storage, which very much is its strength. Additionally, it is simple to use. To create blob storage all you have to do is go to Azure portal and select create. Additionally, the blob storage provides a simple REST interface, which can be used to access the saved files. A sub-option is to create an Azure function to handle all communication with storage, have a simple interface, create multiple functions (i.e. one for Business Central, one for CRM).Further reading:
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/overview
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/business-central/dev-itpro/faq#how-does-microsoft-handle-database-sizes
Originally posted at: https://msdyn365.blog/2020/04/04/dynamics-365-file-storage-and-business-central/