Can I store audio/video files in the document library?
Although there is no technical reason why large media files (AVI, WAV, MP3, etc) cannot be stored in the document library, we strongly advise users not to upload such files. There are a number of compelling reasons why media files should not be treated as documents in ContactsLaw:
- These files are typically read-only and the range of operations which can be performed on them is extremely limited.
- They are typically too large to be attached to e-mails.
- They may require applications/codecs/etc which are not available to all members in your practice.
- They cannot be indexed by the document search.
- They may only be relevant at a particular stage in the life cycle of the matter, or relevant to only a subset of members.
- They may exceed the maximum upload size (this varies according to the network environment and version of SharePoint installed).
- They require a significant amount of storage space on the server, and the storage requirement will continue even after the relevant matter is archived (documents are not deleted from the library until the file is destroyed).
It is recommended that large media files be stored outside ContactsLaw; either on a separate file server or on physical media (e.g. recordable DVD).