Hi, does anyone have any information regarding selling FM database solutions as a product? (ie not customised) Is this done very often? For instance is it legal to sell the runtime files? or would you have to sell it as a proper filemaker file?

Yes selling runtimes is legal, as long as you comply with the FM Advanced license agreement.

The trick, though, is customer support.

i'll bet. Any good articles on the anti piracy side of things?

The biggest thing you'll likely have to address is license control and updates. Depending on your market, updates in general may or may not be a concern but bugs will be.

Also, depending on the scale and potential for multi-user sales, consider always selling a non-compiled copy and include FMP. You can submit your application to FMI to join the FileMaker Solution Alliance for shrink-wrap developers. You get special pricing on FMP and FMS.

Be sure you have made a solid decision on license contol. Phone-home to your server with an annual licensing fee is getting popular but if you are asking about stand-alone, your situation may not justify that.

Finally, be sure you have good scripts for updating. Consider installing versions in different folders that are version stamped or name your solution file so it includes the version stamp. Add a list of possible version numbers in the file references and consider the appropriate filenames and folders. With this, your updated file can automatically look for a previous version then if found, run a script to delete any demo data and run show all scripts in the old file. Then go back to the new file and import.

Your question is an important one. Writing a program is one thing. Making it a solution is another.

IMO

Don't ignore the potential for additional revenue by providing on-site installation, services and maintenance on your product. I've always resisted the lure of selling standalone single user products over multi-user, server based solutions.

A very true and important point. These services can often double your income but it's also important to consider that if these added services are sold, someone skilled must be available for support.

If you as the developer are on the road doing installations and training, then you need someone who knows the product to be available. This is also assuming the solution is large enough to warrant the services.