Storing XML Audit

Question

My program needs to start auditing saved XML data for users. Whenever the user clicks 'Save'; I'll need to insert his current data (serialized to XML) and save it somewhere. What is the better option between:

1) Creating a text file and dropping all the xml in there. (Creating a new text file per save)

2) Using a table in MS Access

I'm using .Net 2.0 / MS Access 2003

Answer 1

The benefit IMHO of using tables in any DBMS over file storage is the ability to query / mine the data afterwards. Also, with text files, you will need to come up with strategies for 'unique file naming' and overcome limitations of how many files you can store per folder etc. Bottom line : If you already have a DB, then would recommend going with a table.