databases that dont store records

We have a records management type application (similar to Sharepoint) whereby users upload, access and modify common types of office files, i.e. word documens, spreadsheets, individual msg email etc). In the mix of this application is a sql server database, I am only really familiar with databases that store actual data, i.e. text records, data/time, yes/no type data. I am not familiar with applications whereby the data is actual files, not just text.

However, I am informed the actual files are stored on a file server on a server, not within the database itself. So I wondered what the databases role in such an application is, i.e. what would it do/store, if it doesnt store the actual data - if anyone has a similar app I would be interested in what the database does/stores, if it isnt the actual data/files.