Script Trigger from FMP Server Adv to FMP Client

[Jeff Gumbel]

I'm looking for a solution to run a script via FMP Server Advanced.

Scenario: From the web a user accesses a site using fx.php and connected to FMP DB via FMP 7 SA. Data can be sent and received fine, however, data needs to be exported from FMP into a batch file and run against another system. In FMP 6 Unlimited this was no problem because a FMP client was actually running behind the web. I know FMP 7 SA cannot directly export a file, but has anyone come up with a solution that would trigger a script on a FMP client running with FMP 7 SA? Plain terms a user submits data to FMP 7 SA and that data is entered into the DB, then a script is triggered on a remote FMP 7 Client that can then do the export of data since it is a running clinet. I've tried Events 4.0, WebTTrigger, and Activator plugins, but none of them seem to function in FMP 7 SA then onto the client.

Thank you for any insight!!!!

[Claus Lavendt]

Hi Jeff

From your info I would consider using a client and trigger a script e.g. every hour or so. This script should look after new info, and then make an export file. The triggering part can be done with Activator.

Anyway, I think the only way to get the data out of your databases is to use a client as middleware.

...just a thought, but what system is the exported data going to ?

...if it is another database system, you might want to consider some ODBC connection or use sql plugin. Moving data to another system could be done via scripts in filemaker and plugins....

;-) Claus

[Jeff Gumbel]

Claus,

Yes, the only way I know of to export any data is with a client as well. We have thought about running a script on a schedule, and may have to go that route. The mein issue comes from our system. We have new users creating their accounts and it is best if these exports happen as soon as the account is created so they can access other systems. ODBC won't work in this case because the external systems API are based on batch file run. This is something I would have thought FMP would have considered when moving FMP6U web into FMP 7 SA. Much more limiting than FMP6 on the custom web side.

[Claus Lavendt]

Hi Jeff

I don't agree with your point of view, regarding the step from fm6 to fm7.

We now have a much more stabile platform, both for the filemaker invironment, but allso for web publishing.

There is maybe a way around. FMSA is capable of making backup, which is basicly the same as exporting records.

With fms7 (and fmsa7) you can now use serverbased plugins. As to my knowledge, no one has yet written any commercial plugins. Maybe you could (if you have the skills to do so) write a plugin, which could do the trick.

I don't know if this suggestion is possibly, but maybe it could be worth checking out.

;-) Claus

[Jeff Gumbel]

My viewpoint on FMP6 to FMP7 comes from the fact that I

[AtCMSIorAtTWU]

I wish I would have read your reply before we bought Server 7 and spent a month trying to use it. I will now need to have a client running to take care of schedule scripts. I thought the schedule in the Server was for running scheduled scripts.

Do you know of any "good" account/logon plug ins?

[Jeff Gumbel]

The way we perform regular timed scripts, not those triggered by users via the web in my prior post, is to do it with a FMP client. This holds true for both FMP6 & 7.

Setup:

1) FMPServer 6 or 7 in place hosting files

2) FMP 6 or 7 client installed on the same computer as FMPServer or on another computer.

3) Install a plugin like Events or others that you can set a regular time for a script to be triggered.

4) On the FMP Client open the shared FMP DB remotely from FMPServer, don't try to open the file direct from FMPServer beacuse it is already being hosted by FMPS.

5) The plugin should then run the script for that FMP DB on the FMP Client at the scheduled times. You will have to set times, script names, etc. If you were doing a scheduled import then the files would import on that FMP Client and sent back to FMPServer, where all the newly imported data will be available to all FMP Clients with access to FMPS and that DB.

[AtCMSIorAtTWU]

Terrific,

I checked out Waves in motion's Events 4.0 and it might just hit the spot.

They also have a security manager that is interesting.

I am trying to get ahold of someone there right now.

Thanks.