I would like to know what the main changes are between filemaker server advanced 8 and version 10. Is there a big enough difference to make it worth us upgrading both software and machine it runs on?

FileMaker Server 9 Advanced patched a number of stability issues in FileMaker Server 8 Advanced. Of course, 10 includes these patches as well (and perhaps more). That alone is reason enough to upgrade.

- John

So does that mean that it is less likely to corrupt our main database during a power cut? Having to copy onto a seperate machine to perform a recovery is very tedious.

No, the newer versions of FMSA wouldn't make corruption on a power failure any less prevalent. The bugs fixed are with the stability of the server software itself.

- John

Ok so other than small fixes what is going to make my life better?

They're more than small fixes, they are patches that keep the server from crashing in some instances, which can lead to file corruption.

As to new features, I'd recommend visiting FileMaker's web site.

- John

Server 9 introduced the new Admin Console, which makes remote admin much easier and the upload assistant makes permission problems go away. Email Notifications, ESS and PHP Site Assistant also came with 9. Last but not least, Server-Side Scripting.

Now with 10 you can include in your scheduled scripts import/export and SMTP email. Plus better logging and a few other bells and whistles.

So yes I'd say upgrade is worth it, especially if you're going to support FileMaker 10 clients.

o does that mean that it is less likely to corrupt our main database during a power cut? Having to copy onto a seperate machine to perform a recovery is very tedious.

Why are you experiencing these power failures? Do you have a UPS installed that allows for a graceful shutdown?

Recovered files should not be used going forward. They still likely contain corruption.

Steven