Which is the best method to store files on the server (in database or storing the location alone)?

Question

In my project (similar to mediafire and rapidshare), clients can upload files to the server. I am using DB2 database and IBM WAS

Answer 1

Well my Opinion would be to store the relevant information like path, name, description, etc... in the database and keep the file evtl. encrypted on the filesystem, it would be cheaper to scale your system adding a webserver than adding a database one as webspace is cheap comparing with databases, all you will need then is to add an IP column to your database or server name so you can address teh new webserver.