Database Access from web page

[Greg C.]

I've been using Filemaker 6 for a while, and am looking to implement FM 8 at a non-profit that I'm working with. My trial version just expired, so I thought I would ask this while I waited for the org to get around to purchasing.

That said, I'm designing the website for the org, and would like to retrieve information from the database for live reporting of statistics, or whatever, as well as potentially feed info into the form. Would I use IWP to accomplish this? If so, how do SQL statements from a page tie into it. If not, any suggestions. This is my first venture into using a database online.

Thanks in advance.

Greg C.

[Steven H. Blackwell]

First, you're probably going to want to use FileMaker Server Advanced for this. If you plan for more than 5 connections, you must use the Server version. There is no "unlimited" version of the client product any more. Only FileMaker Server 7 Advanced is currently available. Contact FMI Customer Support for assistance here. Your upgrade path and price will be determined by which version of FMP 6 you own.

Second, you say that you

would like to retrieve information from the database for live reporting of statistics, or whatever, as well as potentially feed info into the form.

I am not sure I understand exactly what this means, but you can extract the data in the database that the Web UI feeds through FIleMaker Pro itself. That's likely the best process. There's no SQL involved with this. And yes, give the new IWP a test to see if it meets your needs. it has been greatly expanded.

HTH

Steven

[Greg C.]

Thanks for the response. Perhaps I should elaborate. I am the webmaster for a site, working in conjunction with the database manager. Unfortunately, the database manager does not know much about web publishing, and so I've stepped in to filemaker to try to discover how to do it. The database manager has purchased FM 8 Server I believe.

As far as what I want to do... The org wants to improve transparency to the public by posting reports to the web about the current state of things in the org. I would also like to process web page statistics, create a calendar dependent on the database, and allow employees to fill out their time cards online. I'm not looking for a how to or anything, just clarifying. Thanks.

[Steven H. Blackwell]

You will need FileMaker Server 8 Advanced, and it has not yet been relesed. FileMaker Server 8 handles the database hosting part. The additional components in FileMaker Server 8 Advanced provide for web hosting.

It sounds as if you may need some outside assistance to help you with understanding how these components work together. EMail me back channel and based on where you are located, I can give you a name or two.

Steven