recommendations installation FM 7 pro + server?

[jkumbruck]

I'm a complete newbie in the FileMaker world and would like to gain more information about FM.

I'm busy on a small project to consolidate and evaluate the existing FileMaker 3 environment (they only use FileMaker pro with sharing files, no FileMaker server)and to give recommendations concerning a migration to FileMaker pro 7 + FileMaker server 7 in a citrix environment. So the past couple of days I've been digging in the FileMaker world to gain as much info as possible, but it's hard so find detailed and easy-to-use documentation. I was wondering if someone could help me to push me in the right direction here. I've got a couple of questions, it would be cool if someone could give me recommendations:

1) I'm running FM pro 7 on a citrixserver and FM server 7 on a dedicated server. Everything works fine in my test setup, but what are the server specs/recommendations for running FM pro + server in such an environement? (We will host 100 databases and we have around 100 users that need to connect to FM)

2) I've setup a filemaker 7 server on a dedicated machine (HP server with lots of CPU and memory). Installation was ok, but are there some tuning tips you are aware of? Also if I enter FileMaker server admin, there are a lot of things I can configure, are there any recommendations here?

3) Also concerning security, it is possible now to use AD to secure your FileMaker environment (e.g. for client + admin authentication), any recommendations here?

4) I'm also going to install FileMaker pro 7 on the citrix farm. Are there any configuration/tuning tips to get this working smoothly? I'm planning to publish certain filemaker 7 databases via the "fmp7://10.20.30.40/FileName.fp7", but are there any limitations and/or recommendation concerning the publishing of fm7 databases on citrix?

5) Are there any recommendation concerning a migration of filemaker 3 to filemaker 7 (conversion/migration paths?)

6) Some general tips and hints on implementing FM.

I'm a complete newbie, so my knowledge concerning FM is very limited, it would be a very big help if someone could give me feedback on my questions. I know I fired off a lot of questions, but I would really appreciate any help here,

thanks in advance,

Joeri

[Ron F]

Concerning upgrading FM3 to FM7. You need to first convert FM3 to FM5 or FM6. Then convert FM5 or 6 to FM7. The other option would be to rebuild you DB in FM7 from scratch.

Using AD for authentification is a definate bonus in FM7. Create USer Groups based on what level or permissions you want your users to have in your FM database. Then put your users in AD into those groups. Next when you are setting up you users in FM specify the user groups you created in AD using External Server and set your permissions to your FM DB's accordingly.

You may want to take advantage of using SSL on FM Server to secure your information on your network. It's easier then creating a VPN. You can open port 5003 on your firewall and associate that Port with the Private IP of your FM Server for remote connections. This way when you select Open remote and enter your Public IP it should see your FM Server through the open port 5003 on your firewall. If you have FM Server Advanced you can Publish which ever DB's you want. I'm not fimilar with Citrix however, perhaps someone else can help you with that. If you are using FM Server 7v3, it will set the cache to the maximum allowed if you specify a number that is higher than FM Server can handle. You may want to play with the settings a concerning what time frame you want the cache distribution spread out over. ususlly 30 min is ok, but it depends on your needs. Hope this helps, but you are in the right place to look for helpful info.

[wmugrad28]

You may want to take advantage of using SSL on FM Server to secure your information on your network. It's easier then creating a VPN.

I'm trying to learn "on the fly" about networking. I have a FM Pro 7 database that I want to network and access remotely. How is your method different from using a VPN? Keep in mind that I don't know how to really setup a VPN at this time either.

Greg

[herrix]

for a VPN you'll need a router/computer with VPN possibilities. A VPN will create a secured tunnel over the internet through wich the data will be passed between client and server.

Settin up a VPN without knowledge will result (eventually) in a lot of hassle. Remember, for every user you have, you'll have to set up VPN settings (local & remote).

Tagging the 'Secure Connectilns to FileMaker Server' box in FileMaker Server Admin will result is generally the same security connection. (i'm not a sec expert).

If your solution relies on getting / reading files (eg. opening connected Word files) on the server, you'll need a VPN, since the remote connection will only see your loal drives. A VNP will put your remote computer in the same network (IP range) as the server you're connecting to. Therefore you'll be able to access all files (includinf FM files) on the server as if you were working directly on the remote network.

Confused? I am....

Reg. Herrix