What version do I install at home?

[Kay]

Hi folks,

I have a client running FMP Server 5.5, using both macs and pcs. I have been developing for them for sometime at their office. I can develop a new db for them from home on my pc. This is a dumb question but for the life of me, I can't find an answer...

Do I buy FMP Developer for my home office? What if someone started developing something there and I take it home to finish it? Will that cause a problem? Recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

[Kurt Knippel]

You are asking 2 seperate and unrelated questions.

First you can install either Filemaker Pro or Filemaker Developer. Both are essentially the same, with Developer giving you a couple of developer toys like Database Design Report and Script Debugger. Personally I do all of my development in Filemaker Pro 5.5

Secondly if you are developing at home and someone is developing in the office you will have problems. Do one or the other but not both. This is purely a procedural issue and how you solve this will be dependant totally upon the needs of the client.

The best solution that I found is the use of a remote control software such as Timbuktu and actually dial into a computer at the client site and develop on that system. Any type of ISDN, DSL or Cable internet connection is good for this, modem is still a bit too slow.

[Kay]

Thanks Kurt. You are fabulous.

I will not spring for the additional cost of Developer if I don't have to.

I do already have the clients in the habit of not touching the data when I am developing. I guess my second question was really whether there is any difference between a file developed using the different versions (Developer, Server or plain vanilla FMP)... that is, can I work on .fp5 files in any of them with no conversion crap. So I am inferring by your note that they are not really different versions, just that Developer and Server have the appropriate additional functionality.

[Vaughan]

NO development can be done with Server, it's only for hostig machines on a network.