5.6	Setting up databases

As an archiving solution, GFI MailArchiver is highly dependent on your database infrastructure setup for high performance in terms of data archival and retrieval.

GFI MailArchiver supports 2 different database types:

•	GFI MailArchiver (Firebird) format

•	Microsoft SQL Server

5.6.1

Configuring the Firebird database

GFI MailArchiver uses the open source Firebird database as the default database. This database should meet the needs of a small to medium sized organization with an average volume of emails.

The recommended setup for GFI MailArchiver using the Firebird database is as follows:

•	Physical HDD 1: Operating System and GFI MailArchiver installation.

•	Physical HDD 2: Firebird database data store.

•	Physical HDD 3: Mail database indexes.

This configuration ensures that different processes are distributed to distinct physical hard disk drives. This eliminates performance loss due to excessive data read/write operations on the same physical hard disk drive.

NOTE: You are not required to install any firebird database server to use the firebird database with GFI MailArchiver. Creation/management of the firebird database is automated through GFI MailArchiver.

5.6.2

Configuring the Microsoft SQL Server

Setting up a Microsoft SQL server is recommended for larger organizations with a substantial volume of emails to archive.

The recommended setup for GFI MailArchiver using a Microsoft SQL Server 2000/2005/2008 database is as follows:

•	Physical HDD 1: Operating System and GFI MailArchiver installation.

•	Physical HDD 2: Microsoft SQLServer data file (.mdf).

•	Physical HDD 3: Microsoft SQL Server log file (.ldf)

•	Physical HDD 4: Mail database indexes.

This configuration ensures that different processes are distributed to distinct physical hard disk drives. This eliminates performance loss due to excessive data read/write operations on the same physical hard disk drive.

Important Notes

1. Configure any Microsoft SQL Server to use Mixed Authentication mode for use with GFI MailArchiver. To achieve this:

•	From the Enterprise Manager, right-click on the SQL Server node ► Properties.

•	Access Security tab and select SQL Server and Windows under Authentication.

•	Save settings.

2. After the first month of archiving, note the database data file size. With this value, estimate the archive database size after six months, for example. If you estimate that your archive database will be larger than 20 GB, you should consider configuring the archive stores management feature of GFI MailArchiver.