FileMaker Pro 9 opening files on Server 7

[ken_s2007]

I'm trying to help someone who wants to know what is supported or not, and what the limitations of are, for using FileMaker Pro 9 to open files on Server 7.

I know that FileMaker Server 9 has capabilities such as server-side searches and calculations, and also that any changes to a file that have FM8 or 9 only feature, means those features won't be available to FMPro 7 clients.

Of course I'm trying to steer her toward Server 9, but for her information, I'd appreciate any corrections/additions/answers to my recollection/guessing here:

1) Is FileMaker Server 7 (still) a supported product?

2) FileMaker Server 7 CAN or CANNOT host .fp7 files which can be accessed by FileMaker Pro 9, when the files have only FMPro 7 features?

3) FileMaker Pro 9-specific features (i.e., that are not Server 9 features of the type mentioned previously) WILL or WILL NOT be available to other FMPro 9 clients (accessing the hosted file)?

Thank you,

Ken

[mr_vodka]

1. I believe so. FM 6 and earlier are no longer supported.

2. Yes.

3. Define which features? If your end user has FM9 client, it could technically use the FM9 features, but since there wasnt anything put in the served files then... ?? :idunno:

[ken_s2007]

> Define which features? If your end user has FM9 client, it could technically use the FM9 features, but since there wasnt anything put in the served files then... ??

Sorry, my questions are kind of a matrix of FM7-only and FM9 client features, but I think you've answered it. I'm thinking of things like Conditional Formatting (that may be pre 9 but post 7, I don't recall right now) -- but it appears to me that something like that would work if both clients had the same level of Pro (e.g., 9 or whatever is necessary to utilize the feature).

Thanks very much for your help!

Ken

[mr_vodka]

Just a note... Conditional formatting in a FM9 feature.

[Steven H. Blackwell]

Take a look at Tech Infos 5319 and 5376 on the FMI Tech Info site.

Steven

[ken_s2007]

Steven,

Excellent referral, thanks so much -- very useful.

Thanks too for your reply John.

Ken

[Steven H. Blackwell]

You are most welcome.

Steven