You store databases and database objects on devices. On all platforms, these devices can be operating system files. They can also be portions of a disk, called raw partitions. When you create a database, Sybase IQ determines automatically whether it is a raw partition or a disk file.
In a production environment, raw partition installations may provide increased processing performance and better recovery capabilities. File systems, on the other hand, make it easier to manage your devices, and may be preferable in a development environment.
The catalog store and the transaction log cannot be on a raw partition.