Is there an FM Solution for Me?

[J. Williams]

First, let me say I am not a very savvy database person, I have used FM 5/6 at work and have a bit of experience with relationships, defining fields, writing scripts, etc. but nothing to write home about.

I am now looking into creating a database capable of web publication for an association (a home endeavor, not related to work). I did look into MySQL w/PHP (recommended repeatedly as being quick and easy) and was instantly overwhelmed, if that tells you anything.

I only have a very basic set up at home - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Version 2002, Service Pack 2 Dell Dimension DIM 4600, Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU 2.80GHz, 2.79 GHz, 512 MB of Ram with 55.9 GB of free space. Internet connection is via satellite.

It would nice to have the capability to make certain sections of the web side of the database accessible to all visitors and other sections/functions accessible only to association members.

It would also be nice if data could be submitted "on-line" for administrative approval/auto-addition to the database, but I haven't been able to locate any information supporting this capability in FM.

So, my initial questions are: is there a combination of FM solutions (software, server, etc.) that would work for me? If so, what combination, specifically, should I focus on; and, what are my options re: receiving data on-line for approval/addition, or in the alternative, importing (i.e., is the best alternative to require data submission via excel, or?)

Advance thanks for any information/guidance you're willing to provide.

Edited March 11, 2006 by Guest

[Reed]

Sounds like you could do pretty much what you're talking about using FM7 or FM8 Instant Web Publishing (IWP), as long as you're willing to accept it's limitations... If you're looking for a complete custom web solution with filemaker, much of it won't be any easier than MySQL/PHP. You can use PHP, XSLT, Lasso, or pretty much any web programming language that can deal with the XML that filemaker spits out. The nice thing about IWP is that you don't have to know much beyond what you need for designing a desktop FM database....

Depending on how much traffic you expect, you can implement this with just a copy of filemaker pro, or for more traffic, you need filemaker server advanced (FMSA). I wouldn't suggest running FMSA on XP home or XP pro, you should use 2000 or 2003 server, or OS X (server).

[J. Williams]

If I use FM Pro 8, is there a "for hire" web hosting server option out there somewhere? I thought I saw some posts (or advertisements?) here, but now can't locate them.

I'd be willing to purchase the software and pay for monthly hosting, if that's the most stable approach.

[Reed]

Here's one I've seen advertised around the forums...

http://www.pointinspace.com/