Server 7 and Filemaker Pro IWP

[Roger Wetherall]

I have a Tasks database that is part of an integrated solution hosted via Server 7. I would like to host just this database using a copy of Filemaker Pro 7 so that I can allow users the ability to log their time sheets remotely. We are a small organization and the 5 user limit is not an issue. I don't have the budget for Server Advanced.

It seems that it is not possible to have the file hosted and then publish it separately using IWP. Does anyone have a work around solution for this situation.

Roger

[Barbecue]

You're correct, FileMaker has deliberately made this impossible, apparently in an effort to push sales of the overpriced Server Advanced product. I could go on and on about why I think this was a boneheaded screwup, but that won't help you.

The easiest option is to host the database on a regular FileMaker client instead of on the server. You won't have the same performance and stability as with FM Server, but it's certainly the easiest to implement and the least expensive.

There is a limited developer license for FM Server Advanced, which has a user cap of three FM client and three web connections, intended for use by developers for testing Server Advanced solutions. It's only available to those who have purchased FileMaker Developer, but it only costs $10.

Another option is to maintain two copies of the tasks database, one on the server, and a local dummy copy, serving web pages. You could then synchronize the two copies of the database by some sort of regularly scheduled import/export.

It might be possible to use web sharing indirectly by creating a connection between the server-hosted file and a locally-hosted dummy file with IWP enabled, but I have not tried this and I don't know if it would work.

[transpower]

I think a better solution would be for you to purchase five Terminal Server Client Access Licenses for Windows 2000 Server. This will work better for you than IWP; no reprogramming or loss of functionality. Only key strokes, mouse movements, and screen refreshes are transmitted through the Internet cloud.

[DykstrL]

Transpower: If he doesn't have the budget for FileMaker Server Advanced, he definitely doesn't have the budget for a Windows Server or Terminal Server and clients.

Roger, I agree that Barbecue's option would work best in your situation.