My Simple Rules for SharePoint 2010 Caching

I am always a fan and a true believer of caching.

So what is a cache?

A temporary storage area where frequently used data can be stored for rapid access.

Based on my experience developing and configuring SharePoint 2010 solution for many clients I have a few simple rules about caching in SharePoint 2010. The 4 different types of caching available in SharePoint 2010 and my simple rules for them:

1. Object Caching

- To activate: Site Actions – Site Settings – Site collection object cache.

- Default max cache size: 100 MB.

- Optimum cache size: depends on the server specification but I reckon 1 GB is the sweet spot.

- Default Duration: 180 seconds.

- Optimum duration: depends on the business but I reckon between 15-20 minutes is the sweet spot.

2. Output Caching

- To activate: Site Actions – Site Settings – Site collection output cache.

- Available profiles: Site Actions – Site Settings – Site collection cache profiles.

- Public Internet (Anonymous) profile:

     Default duration: 180 seconds.

     Optimum duration: depends on the business but I believe between 30-60 minutes.

     Default cacheability: ServerAndPrivate.

     Optimum cacheability: Public -> it means “always cache it if you can” in any server possible.

- Intranet (Collaboration Site) profile:

     Default duration: 180 seconds.

     Optimum duration: depends on the business but I believe around 15 minutes.

     Default cacheability: ServerAndPrivate.

     Optimum cacheability: Public -> it means “always cache it if you can” in any server possible.

3. Blob Caching

- Stores frequently used files in the disk instead of database.

- The setting is in the web.config.

4. HttpRunTime Cache

- General IIS cache used by ASP .NET.

- Use this caching method whenever possible.

- Generally used for 3^rd party services (Google Weather, Yahoo Finance and other services).

- It is also very useful to server content / list items which appear the same to everyone (such as utility links, reusable content viewer, etc).