Why you should use ReFs instead of NTFS on Windows?
Starting with Windows Server 2012 Microsoft introduced a new file system called ReFs:
Resilent Filesystem.
In the beginning, ReFs contained only a subset of functions from the older, well-known and proven NTFS. This changed with Windows Server 2012 R2.
Today, it’s the recommended file system you should use for SAP operations.
The benefits can be found in many articles from Microsoft regarding ReFs. This here lists the advantages and the disadvantages:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/storage/refs/refs-overview
If you want to use ReFs with a database, look for information if the vendor supports ReFs to store data and log files on a ReFs volume.
If you want to store SAP software on an volume, you should use ReFs for Windows Server 2012 R2 or higher. See SAP note 1869038.
Note:
If you use third-party applications like antivirus solutions, backup tools, server management tools, etc. make sure to check and test if these applications fully support ReFs!
Hello,
From the note, it seems that SAP does not support from Windows Server 2012 R2 and higher but from Windows Server 2016. And also in the latest installation guides it is emphasized that SAP system should not be installed in the REFS. Maybe there is some need for update in the guides.
Regards
Thanks for the info! Yes, indeed the note refers only to Server 2016, but ReFs can also be used since 2012 R2. I will update the note soon.
And I will also take a look at the installation guides.
Best regards,
Kalle