I currently use Oracle Directories to read formatted files into external tables and log trace code from PL/SQL packages. I map a drive letter on my PC to a Linux directory on the database server where I can write and read files. I use 11g Enterprise Edition Release 11.2.0.3.0 on a Linux server.

As part of our migration to Oracle Database Appliance, my DBA (under guidance from a consultant) says that Oracle Directories are no longer recommended when using ODA. Due to restricted storage space in ODA, our DBA will not provide me with network access to a directory on the database server and will not map an Oracle Directory to a location on a network Windows file server. The complete justification I have been given for this change is: "