We have a Filemaker database that has run a system using IWP to run our business on a Mac G4 that sits and runs as our server. It has done its job based on Filemaker 7 with IWP turned on, no server tools just basic filemaker and Mac OS for a few years now very reliably.

We would like to extend and update the system giving access to our potential customers via our web site. We are about to pay a lot of money for an eCommerce system which I know I can make easily in Filemaker but some questions arise.

If I bought basic Filemaker 9 and built a system could I have it hosted on a remote host giving me all the Filemaker Server advantages, particularly allowing a user logon without needing an ID and password. Also the ability to link to a URL on a payment site/system. My concern is I need all the server tools locally to configure the file for remote hosting.

I hope you can all help me out as I have been using Filemaker since its early versions and I don't want to loose control of what we do and spend a pile of money in the process.

Edited September 30, 200817 yr by Guest

As I'm sure you're aware FM7 was a quantum leap from FM6 and before. In the same way the FMS9 admin tool has been radically updated to be a java based platform independent operation. you can even upload files to the server from a remote point.

There are plenty of FMS hosting services around and most supply a similar remote management tool for server maintenance.

Just go "filemaker hosting" in google.