Publishing a database to the web.

[Elana]

I would like to publish a searchable FAQ database onto the web. We are using FileMaker Pro 6.0. We do have Unlimited here but it is not installed yet. The FileMaker Server 5.5 is installed on a Mac OS 9.x system and our web server is located off-site. The client machines are both Mac and Windows. What is the process in which we can implement this searchable database for our configuration?

I appreciate your help as we would like to implement as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Elana

[Steve T.]

Hi, Elana! I haven't used Server but you should be able to develop your system w/any copy of FMP. Unlimited is needed when you publish (it's the same as regular FMP but w/no IP address restriction and comes with the Web Server Connector).

Minimally, all you need is a static IP and FMP-u. I'd recommend Mac OS X. Design-wise, if you have a domain like www.mysite.com and want to show info from your db's on your very first page, you will probably not be able to stick w/stock CDML. I'd look at FileMaker/Lasso if you can afford it. I hear the pro's say JavaScript is almost a must and helps compensate for some CDML shortcomings.

Client platform should not matter. Security can be a major issue but if it's just a FAQ and you are not charging that makes things easier for you, I'd guess.

Speedwise, I'd guess that some folks on this forum could get you up and running by the next day if they had to, but the more time you spend on your system, the more features and functionality it will have. A basic search engine is easy, but it can easily grow into a monster the longer you think about WHAT IF's. Plus, front end design is important, too, and some websites are works of art, eh?

That's my 2 cents (I guess more like 2 bucks) worth of info. Good luck! --ST

[BuddySystems]

Elana -

To elaborate on Steve's response - if you need to have the relevant databases for the FAQ on the FM Server, (because of relationships or local access needs) the FMU machine needs to be on the same LAN as the server, with the static ip and internet access as Steve mentioned on your site. However if the relevant files can be elsewhere, you can setup your own server co-located in at an ISP, or host with a company that does Filemaker Web Hosting (as we do - sorry for the plug).

Lasso, unless you plan to have an extremely busy site, or very robust security needs, can be overkill, and is certainly a very expensive option.

[Elana]

Thank you for your suggestions