Considering FMP8 - Looking for Insight

[Newbie3]

Hi,

We are considering a FMP solution for our company. For my research, I am trying to gain some insight and understanding into how things would work.

For the server portion of things: if we did this, we would be looking at 3-5 locations, each with 2-5 Macs, connecting to a central location with a G5 XServe. The central location would be independant of the others, and would also be connecting an additional 5-15 Macs to the Server via a LAN. Looking at roughly 20-30 Macs total. We would also want to go with FMP 8 full circle (and we plan on never introducing a PC of any sort if that needs any consideration).

Here is where I am looking for some insight:

-Do I understand correctly from my reading here, that the only difference between Server and Server Advanced is Advanced's ability to handle IWP and other 'Web' based serving?

-Knowing little about Networking, I am assuming our off location people would be coming in via a WAN? Or would it be a VPN? Still not fully following these terms (from reading on here).

-Do I need Advanced to have my users connect via WAN or VPN, as it would be through the Web?

-When considering remote locations, and multiple users; what are the biggest slow points we would need to be concerned about?

-As we plan on interviewing developers, from the development side of things what kind of answers should I be looking for? Basically: What special considerations should a Developer be looking at when planning a multi location/user solution?

-I have read about 'Record Locking'. What type of development procedures need to be considered in regards to this?

-Finally: Would we be able to limit viewable data with Filemaker? For example:

Location 1, Location 2, and Location 3 all see only the data relevant to their location; however at the central location they are able to view all data, from all locations?

Thank-you very much for any help you can provide! Many apologies for the length............

Edited February 13, 2006 by Guest

[Vaughan]

Many answers are "it depends".

You need to decide whether the databases will be designed with a web interface. The interface and functionality needs to be designed specifically around IWP's limitations up front.

If you decide to go with IWP then you will need FM Server Advanced.

Either way you need FM Server.

[Newbie3]

I am sorry! Meant to mention that: We have NO intention of ever having any web capabilities. Based on our knowledge and needs we plan on keeping it totally in-house, client-side.

[Ted S]

Hi FFA,

I'm not trying to be a 'wise guy' but since you're on a Mac do you really have any other choice? I'm a Windows only guy so I don't truly know but I've always been under the impression the FM was the only real choice for folks on Macs.

[Lee Smith]

Well, there is 4D, and some minor players like Claris Works, Apple Works., etc.

[Ender]

...and some minor players like Claris Works, Apple Works...

Hee, hee, ho...Oh, goodness, you're killin' me! :laugh2: