Where should the configuration store be located when deploying ArcGIS Server in a multi-machine environment?

In a multi-machine deployment of ArcGIS Server, it is essential for the configuration store to be centrally accessible by all machines involved in the setup. Storing the configuration data on a network share accomplishes this goal effectively. A network share allows all ArcGIS Server instances to access the same configuration information, ensuring consistency across the environment.

When multiple machines are working together in a distributed system, synchronization and access to the same configuration settings are paramount for seamless operation and management. This centralization reduces the risk of discrepancies that could lead to issues in service performance and reliability, as every machine will point to the same configuration source.

While options like local machines may provide individual access, they risk diverging configurations, leading to complications in management. Cloud storage is often not optimal for applications requiring low-latency access and real-time updates among multiple servers. A dedicated server could work, but typically a network share is the simpler and more flexible solution favored in multi-machine ArcGIS Server deployments.