Hi Guys,

I've been trying to convince a potential client to have a database system created in FileMaker 7. He is worried about the speed of accessing/creating/sorting records is going to be a very slow process. They are a 25 user system. He is basing his argument on a FMP 6 solution they have, and hence is leaning towards going to a mySQL solution.

Have any of you guys got any speed benchmarks against other databases including FM6.

Are all users on a local network, or do they access via Internet? If local, it should be very fast. If over the internet, you need to take special steps to design the solution for best performance.

Hi Bob,

I believe they are all local. I'm also pitching for another database project, which will include the possibility of having two remote users. In the past with FM6, I have either used SyncDeK or Terminal Services to get remote users to access FM6 data, but if I'm to design from ground up, are there any white papers or articles you advise me on, creating a solution for the best performance with FM7 native remote capabilities.

You mentioned 25 users, but of course a large number of factors affect speed- number of records, design of the DB, calc fields, appropriateness of fields, relations, layout design, graphics, cache, pipeline width, server bandwidth, speed and characteristics, ethernet speed, network traffic, does it have an independent FM server, etc. Even the choice of fonts and font size can affect speed.

Thus a question should arise, just WHY is the FM6 solution so slow? I would dissect and evaluate the DB design and look at other factors that affect speed.

I've used MS Access (gak), FoxPro, and others, but I've not noticed significant speed differences except when the DB design was funky or external factors came into question.

You mentioned 25 users, but of course a large number of factors affect speed- number of records, design of the DB, calc fields, appropriateness of fields, relations, layout design, graphics, cache, pipeline width, server bandwidth, speed and characteristics, ethernet speed, network traffic, does it have an independent FM server, etc. Even the choice of fonts and font size can affect speed.

Thus a question should arise, just WHY is the FM6 solution so slow? I would dissect and evaluate the DB design and look at other factors that affect speed.

I've used MS Access (gak), FoxPro, and others, but I've not noticed significant speed differences except when the DB design was funky or external factors came into question.

You mentioned 25 users, but of course a large number of factors affect speed- number of records, design of the DB, calc fields, appropriateness of fields, relations, layout design, graphics, cache, pipeline width, server bandwidth, speed and characteristics, ethernet speed, network traffic, does it have an independent FM server, etc. Even the choice of fonts and font size can affect speed.

Thus a question should arise, just WHY is the FM6 solution so slow? I would dissect and evaluate the DB design and look at other factors that affect speed.

I've used MS Access (gak), FoxPro, and others, but I've not noticed significant speed differences except when the DB design was funky or external factors came into question.