Would I just be able to use FileMaker Pro Web companion to upload my files on purchased hosting space?

I have not even touched the Web companion yet. I am trying to get background info on where to start.

Does my hosting company need any kind of FileMaker server software to be able to host my database?

Do I need to purchase FileMaker Pro Instant Web Publishing software or is this something that comes with FM Pro 5?

I have been working with FileMaker since 1989 but this is the first time it has been needed to go up on Web. Any advise would be most welcomed.

Thanks, Paula

Hi, Paula! For FMP v5...

If you use a web hosting company, they must run FMP-Unlimited to serve your FMP files to the internet. FMP-U must be running and have your db's open. Instant Web Publishing in v5(client) will only serve to a limited number of IP addresses, but is fine for you to test with but not use for serving.

FYI... Web Companion is FileMaker's web server plug-in that takes your FMP data and serves it out ot the web.

There are FileMaker hosting companies out there, but I do not know much about them. If you decide to serve your data in-house, you should have a static IP address on a computer with FileMaker Pro Unlimited. You can then link to your FM web server from your regular site if you like. If you want to get a feel for how Instant Web Publishing works, just do the following...

(1) enable the Web Companion plug-in for Instant Web Publishing

(2) open your db

(3) set the db to be shared by web companion (not the same as step #1)

(4) type your IP address into a web browser

That's it.

Now, FileMaker Pro 4.x did not have the IP address restriction and can serve on the web... I think there are copies still out there for $50 - $100. FMP5-6 required the use of FMP-Unlimited ($1000 USD ?). FMP7 has changed things again and I believe you must get FileMaker Pro 7 Server Advanced ($2000+ USD ?) if you want to serve on the internet, but I'm not sure if Server Advanced is even available yet.

BTW, I'm waiting to hear what the folks here in the forums say about FM7SA before making any final decisions as to what we're going to do in the future wrt to web publishing our databases.

--ST

Thank you. You have helped more than you know!

Paula