Networking a solution

July 17, 200817 yr

I have two doctors on the same network that want to each have the same FileMaker Pro data file sets without interfering with each other. They will never need to access each other's file sets.

I see 2 possible ways to do this, if it can be done at all.

Keep in mind all computers are on the same network switch. And I prefer to keep the data file sets named the way they are, rather than renaming one set.

#1 - Could I create 2 workgroups (i.e.SMITH and OLSON). I want to keep them both on the same IP Address scheme so I don't have to have multiple Isp connections, routers, and switches.

#2 - Simply rename all of the file sets, so in essence One file set is for "Smith" and the other is for "Olsen".

July 17, 200817 yr

Do the databases each reside on the Dr.'s computers?

Do the Dr.'s expect to connect to their respective databases from anywhere other that their desktop computers? (For example the database is on the desktop computer and they also want to run it from their laptop while they walk around to different rooms).

If the answer is No to both of these questions, simply leave each database on each users computer. They won't interfere with each other.

If they want to access the database from other computers. I would suggest naming each computer clearly with the Users name. So when they chose a database from the Hosts menu they choose the right one.

Jerry

July 18, 200817 yr

Author

Each Dr has an office and separate exam rooms. Dr Smith will host his files from his office computer and access it only from the host or his exam room.

Dr Olson has 1 office and 1 exam room.

Dr Smith has 1 office and 3 exam rooms.

If I name one workgroup Smith, and the other workgroup Olson. And I host each database on each Dr.'s office computer. Then I expect I'll only see that Dr.'s files on his respective Workgroup.

And, even if I see the other Dr.'s files, they will appear on 2 differently named computers. For example, "Olson01", and "Olson02" for 1 Dr. "Smith01", "Smith02", "Smith03", and "Smith04"for the other Dr.

It makes sense to me that everything will work just fine under those circumstances. Don't you agree?

All computers are PCs, if that makes any difference.