Concepts: object stores

An object store is a database repository for storing objects (such as documents, folders, and business objects) and the metadata defining an object's classes and properties.

General

IBM FileNet P8 Platform applications such as Workplace XT, Process Engine, and those created with an IBM FileNet P8 API, all use object stores to store versionable and non-versionable objects and content. Users access the object store through their application for tasks like creating, searching, retrieving, and storing documents.

Each object store has a database containing metadata such as property values for documents, folders, and other objects. The document content is located in either the object store database (a database storage area) or in another files storage area associated with the object store.

Installation and creation

The Content Engine installation program and the Configuration Manager do not install or create object stores. After Content Engine is installed and configured, you use Administrative Console for Content Engine or Enterprise Manager to create a new object store.

Relation to FileNet P8 domain

When a new object store is created, Content Engine registers it in the Global Configuration Data (GCD), which defines an IBM FileNet P8 domain. A single IBM FileNet P8 domain can contain one or many object stores.

Database assignment

When you create an object store , you assign an existing database for the object store to use.

The following components must exist before creating the object store:

The database contains information about the object store's objects and properties. You can use it as a database store for object store document content. The database is used exclusively by only one Content Engine object store and not by any other applications. Also, make sure to define enough connection pools for the GCD data source.

Managing object stores

The following tips and guidelines apply to working with object stores:

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See File storage areas for more information about the storage of document content elements.