version compatibility

[jorger]

Just wondering: we are running FM6 right now, and thinking about getting a FM7, but only on one machine of the network. Are there any compatibility issues that I should be aware of before taking the plunge? (All except one of the machines are MSWindows; the last one is a seriously hacked SuSE Linux 9.2).

[Ender]

Welcome jorger,

First, you should know that FM7 and FM6 are not cross-compatible. Once you convert your files to FM7, you can't go back. And you can't access databases hosted in the other version.

The conversion itself generally goes pretty quick, depending on how many files, how many records, and if there a lot of container graphics. But getting ready for the conversion (and fixing some issues post-conversion) can take days, weeks, or months depending on the complexity of the solution and your skill with FileMaker 7.

In any case, you should definately read the FileMaker 7 Foundations and Migration Methodologies tech brief on FileMaker's web site to get a complete description of the changes and how these changes can effect converted solutions.