I typically use FM in a windows environment, however I have someone interested in deploying a solution in both Mac and Windows. My question is this can Mac users connect to a Windows FM Server which is the host. And can you still use the external server to authenticate users since Mac uses Open Directory and Windows uses Active Directory?

Hi Ron,

I have both Mac and Windows users connecting to a windows server with no problems.

With regard to authentification of users I canot help you there as everyone just dives in with no need to differentiate

Regards

Phil

Users can connect to FileMaker Server on Windows Server 2003 from Macintosh OS X clients as well as from Windows XP clients.

External Server Authentication is a bit more complex:

1. Macintosh users can be authenticated by Active Directory if AD is properly set up.

2. There is no Single Sign On with Macintosh OS. Macintosh users store the credentials in the Keychain. When they attempt to make a connection to the files hosted by FileMaker Server where External Server Authentication is enabled, FileMaker Server will query the Keychain for credentials. If there is a match, users are admitted seamlessly. Otherwise, they will get a credentials challenge.

3. If you are going to authenticate against active Directory--and you probably should--do yourself a favor. Run the FileMaker Server on Windows Server 2003. Life will be much easier and happier that way.

4. Please see the Tech Briefs on Server, Security, and External Server Authentication on the FMI web site at:

http://www.filemaker.com/support/upgrade/techbriefs.html

These items and their nuances are also covered in detail in FileMaker Security: The Book at www.filemakersecurity.com

HTH

Steven

excellent. thank you!