I'm completely new to filemaker, and I can't find much information thats simple and direct for a newcomer. Basically, I have a network of several macs running os x 10.3.5. It would be helpful if we could all access and amend/add data to the same database (and possibly one or two other databases in the future).

What is the benefit to using Filemaker server, and is it the software I would need for the set-up I've mentioned? Do you need to install both Filemaker Pro and Filemaker Server on the machine that will be hosting the database?

If anyone is willing to spend the time giving me a basically overview of how it all works, I'd really really appreciate it! :

You can host databases for up to 5 clients using just FM 7 (not server). There are several advantages to using server. Server is multi-threaded, many users can perform operations and not slow the application for other users. Server can suspend the use of files and perform backups "on the fly". Server has the ability to perform many operations "server side". This speeds up operation by minimizing network traffic. FM Server allows up to 250 clients and is capable of encripted network communications and external authentication to another server.

You don't "need" FM and FM Server on the server machine (only FM Server). We typically install both on the server machine, but only use FM with Server shut down for rare maintenance operations. They should NEVER be run at the same time on the same machine!

-bd

:welcomesign:

So say for example I wanted 10 machines on a network to all have access to a database, would I need to buy 10 copies of Filemaker Pro 7 and licences, and also a copy of Filemaker Server 7 and a licence? Or does Filemaker server have some kind of multi-user licence scheme?

Sorry to ask such silly questions, it's just that if I put this to my boss, the 10 x copies of Filemaker Pro plus 1 x copy of Filemaker Server isn't going to go down very well. It seems a very expensive way of doing things.

Yes, for ten users you will need a FM Server license and 10 FMP 7 licenses. These can be purchased in a package as a site license. This saves a little money and makes install easier as you don't have to keep track of a separate license code for each copy of FMP 7.

Very few things that are worthwhile in life come a low or no cost. I'm sure you can find a low cost approach from a company that won't be around in two years (FM has been around for 20 years). The productivity gains from properly implemented database systems tend to be large compared to the cost.

You will need to contact your local FileMaker sales representative to get a quote. I take it you are not in the US (licence vs. license), but you should be able to find sales contact at www.filemaker.com.

-bd

Thanks for the help. It's much appreciated!

I know it's a hard sell sometimes (I'm doing it with a client now). Good software systems are so central to businesses today, but this criticality still goes unrecognized. Investing a lot of development in an inferior system is like buying a bargan pacemaker, "you bet your life". :

Glad to help.

-bd

Definately go with volume licensing, it can save money and will give you some peace of mind as a year of updates are included. After purchasing 13 FMP, the FMS price came down quite a bit.

Sorry to ask such silly questions, it's just that if I put this to my boss, the 10 x copies of Filemaker Pro plus 1 x copy of Filemaker Server isn't going to go down very well. It seems a very expensive way of doing things.

Well, it's cheaper than FM's competitors. And the open source databases will cost much more in development time. Really, FM is a bargain compared to the competition.