Hi,

I have never used FMP and have little experience with any "back-end" database stuff (i.e. I have created relational databases in Access, but have not dealt with anything server related). My boss wants me to give him a run-down of what the different options for FMP are including just getting the software or buying the server as well. Can anyone help me? Or point me toward a website with this kind of information (in relatively simple terms).

Thank you!

j9

www.filemaker.com has details about each product.

We won't be able to advise you without knowing how many workstations you have, how heavy the use is expected to be, and what speed of network you are running on (probably other questions.)

If you have five or fewer XP workstations you would purchase five copies of FM 7 (or four copies of FM 7 plus one copy of FM 7 Developer, if you want to take advantage of the additional features of Developer). If you have more than five, then consider FM Server.

Thank you both for your replies, here is a little more information:

We have 8 people in the workgroup and are on a hi-speed network (do you need to know exactly? I believe it is a T1 line) -- it may be the case that not everyone in the workgroup would need access to work on the projects in FMP, but we would be using it to create online surveys, which we would need many people to be able to access simultaneously. It sounds like perhaps we need the server? Or is this a completely different access issue?

Thanks,

j9

We have 8 people in the workgroup....but we would be using it to create online surveys, which we would need many people to be able to access simultaneously.

For more than 5 simultaneuous users, you need Server to host it. Since you also are planning on using it for a backend to your online survey, you will likely need Server Advanced (unless the web traffic is very low--FM7 client can web host a small number.) You could build the solution to be accessed entirely through the web, saving the cost of the client licenses (though you still need one for development.)

If you don't like the web interface, or can't get desired features to work, then you'll need a client license for each workstation.

Thank you! That's good information to have, I will pass it along to the higher-ups and see what happens :-)

j9