Database Syncing in FMP7?

[Tyfud]

I know 6.0 has a pretty poor method for data syncing, my only question here is does FMP7 handle things differently, or are we still unable to sync a local database to the server in FMP7? I appreciate any help anyone can give, as every source of info I've perused seems to tell me that this method hasn't changed from FMP6 to FMP7.

[Ocean West]

The best method for syncing your databases is by use of SyncDek (by WorldSync)

[Tyfud]

I realize there's better methods, but I guess what I'm asking is does 7.0 offer anything above and beyond 6.0 for datasyncing? Stock, without needing API's added onto it. My understanding looking through the 7.0 specs is that there's a new option to wipe out your existing records and replace them with the records from another file, but the "Match fields" and import routine is practically identical to FMP6. It doesn't offer any more versatility than I had last revision in that department. I'm still having to Develop, or purchase workarounds to get it to perform those functions.

[falkaholic]

Ocean West said:

The best method for syncing your databases is by use of SyncDek (by WorldSync)

I have to say that SyncDek might be the best, but only since its the only choice. At a company I worked at, they uses a large band touring package that used SyncDek, and they were not pleased with it. I won't go into detail but I really think that a package like SyncDek should work better considering how much it costs.

In terms of sync with FM7 though, it might be improved over 6, since FM Mobile 7 and Pro 7 can sync up to each other. There might be something to look into there.

[Jay G.]

Please forgive the product description to follow, but in light of its mention here, I thought it might be useful to share some details about the newest version of SyncDeK:

SyncDeK 5 is now available, working with FM 6 and 7, on Mac OS X and Windows 2000 & XP.

SyncDeK 5 is radically different from past versions, working through a separate Java application which talks to FileMaker through a single Plug-in, and only requires a couple of generic fields & scripts to operate. The new architecture and standalone SyncDeK 5 Developer application make it much easier for developers configure and manage a "distributed" system, including which tables/files to replicate, and which users/servers are synced. Most importantly, SyncDeK costs significantly less than the older version did 2-3 years ago.

I should clarify that SyncDeK's approach is using "data replication"-- moving only record changes (New, Edit, Delete) between distributed nodes, syncing data bi-directionally and asynchronously, encrypting data in transit, controlling sync on a per-record/per-user basis, and merging data with field-level conflict resolution.

We've designed SyncDeK (from experience) to be useful when supporting synchronization between a "community" of mobile users, remote sites and/or multiple distributed servers or workgroup members, where at least some of the users may be disconnected, poorly connected and especially decentralized in their use and ownership of data.

There are other approaches to "sync", especially where you want point-to-point (and/or one-way), directly-connected sync, especially of "personal" data (e.g. iSync, Palm).

There are also some other great products (from Productive Computing, VizMotion, FileMaker Mobile, etc.) to support sync with specific applications.

Jay Gonzales