Functionality Lost when web enabling?

[edgarfrog]

I am introducing a filemaker-based contact management system with workflow functionality and scheduled reminders to my business. I have the need for cross-platform availability and a low cost solution. Is my best option to use a web-enabled system so that I can vary the number of users on any platform, or would the system run slowly and lose a lot of the functionality (such as scripted buttons) if I go this way?

[Jeff Spall]

Hi, when you publish databases on the web, there are a number of areas that you have to approcah differently. You lose some functionality like direct access to conditional value lists, direct input into related files etc., though you gain the ability to use java, ftp, SMTP etc.

The real point is that it's better to design the datbase structure at the beginning for the web so that you can work within its limits and use its advantages. if you already have databases which rely heavily on scripts etc. you'll probably have to do a lot of re-thinking.

regards, jeff