Creating a ArcGIS Map Service Basemap layer for imagery

[LeviSexton]

I am trying to create a imagery Basemap layer using my companies orthoimagery. I have already created a  map service in my companies ArcGIS Server Manager using a MXD that I created that consist soley of the orthoimagery that I have. I have also started to cache this service using the below properties  in the Create Map Server cache tool from toolbox.
custom scale range of 10,000:4,000:2,000,1,000:400:200:100.
96 dots per inch
PNG 24
Title width 256
Title Height 256
Storge Format: Compressed
Cache Type : Fused

I then went to manage Map Server Cache Titles
I used the above Map Server Cache tool
I then choose Recreate All Titles as the Update mode
Number of mapServer Instances 2

This mobile project upon complmetion will be used out in the field to edit a point lyer using the imagergy.
I have 2 questions:

First, this service has been cahing for over a week now and is only at 8%, Should this be taking this long?

Second, will this work once out in the field?

Thank you

[PeterTimmers]

Is that 1:100 as your lowest scale?  If it is, I'd say it's probably overkill.  1:1000 is going far enough.

How big an area?   Even one city at 1:100 is going to take a very low time.

Have you looked at the actual physical space your compact cache is taking up?  That could be an issue.

I've given up on imagery.  I've got an area three times the size of texas to try to fit in a cache.   I've not had too much success with compact cache compared to exploded.   But there's no way I can move an exploded cache around.

I tell my guys to cache the area they're interested in before they go out into the field.

[LeviSexton]

The purpose of the mobile app which I am attmepting to create is to take our imagery of a county and let are field workers use it to locate features. This is the reason my boss has requested that I use a 1:100 scale for my closest level for this particular cache and mobile app.

Thanks

[AaronPaul]

One suggestion that may or not be possible for you is to Cache in "The Cloud".

You could use Amazon Cloud Services to ramp up your caching power.
Then copy cache over to your local ArcGIS Server.

Amazon allows you to have as much power as you like, within reason.
More power = more money.

This is a recommended use strategy for "The Cloud" (Caching)

AP