Limit on Number of Connections for Online Database

[BCC986]

Hello,

I'm brand new to filemaker, but am a pretty quick learner. I just have a basic question that I'm having trouble finding an answer to.

I just started a new job and am looking to switch a Lotus Database and replace it with Filemaker.

I am in sales, and we currently have around 16,000 records in the database.

I showed my plan to my boss, and he liked the idea but after he did some research he didn't like that only 5-9 people could connect to the database at one time.

If I were to upload the database to the web, would more than 9 people be able to connect to my database? I told him that the 5-9 connection limit was for when the database was only uploaded via instant web publisher, and not exported to a third party website, but I told him I'd do some investigating.

Hope my question made sense, and thanks for the help.

[bcooney]

You can share a Filemaker database in many ways:

1. Peer-to-peer. User workstation hosts the database. Other FM clients can open the remote database. Each workstation requires a licensed FM client. Limit 9 concurrent connections. Very awkward to backup the file, so FMS is highly recommended.

2. IWP. A host computer with continuous access to the Internet or intranet via TCP/IP. (Five simultaneous Instant Web Publishing sessions.)

3. FMS (Filemaker Server). File is hosted on a dedicated box running FMS. 250 FM Clients. 999 FM Clients with FMSA.

4. IWP with FMSA. 100 simultaneous.

5. CWP with FMS. 100, but Multiple users can share a single CWP connection. CWP Connections are based on simultaneous request events, rather than persistent connections.

[IdealData]

It sounds like you need more than 10 users connected concurrently which means you are in the land of FileMaker SERVER to host the files. You will need a dedicated computer to run FM Server.

FileMaker hosts it's files through it own network protocol to it's native clients (FileMaker Pro), but it will also deploy via multiple web protocols. PHP and XML/XSLT are included with the STANDARD FileMaker Server, however the Instant Web Publishing option is only available through FileMaker Server ADVANCED - this pushes the cost of the server installation up quite considerably.

With a single FileMaker Pro you can host to 9 other FM Pro clients PLUS 5 IWP users so a maximum of 15 users in total - 1 x host, 9 x client, 5 x IWP - although I suspect your needs are greater than this.

If your database is relatively simple you could consider external hosting through a professional FM hosting company (google it) and deploy to IWP and FMPro clients. As you confess to being a beginner then I should also advise you take some professional consultancy before spending anything - there may even be a ready made application out there for you.

Bcooney's numbers are correct.

[IdealData]

If I were to upload the database to the web, would more than 9 people be able to connect to my database?

Do you understand that FM databases must be HOSTED either via FileMaker Pro of FileMaker Server?

A FileMaker file cannot be just uploaded to a website.

[BCC986]

Yes I do understand that it must go through the Filemaker network.

Thanks for your help, I'll look into it.

[BCC986]

Bcooney and Ideal,

Thanks for your response. After talking it over with my boss we're trying to get a little more information before deciding whether or not to purchase Filemaker Server. (We determined we didn't need the Filemaker Server Advanced.)

If we were to purchase Filemaker server, would every one of our employees need a Filemaker client, or would they be able to view the database online like they would be able to through IWP? I want to get as much information about the product as possible before I put the call into Filemaker.

That is basically my last major question that I'm unsure of.

If you need further clarification please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks for your help. It is greatly appreciated.

[bcooney]

I suggest that you DO call Filemaker. The sales office can answer all your questions and guide you to the proper setup.

As I said above, IWP connections are limited to 5 simultaneous users without FMSA.

BTW, IWP is really NOT a replacement for the FM Client software. It is a quick answer for a remote user or occasional user that needs to see just some of the system, perhaps a list of leads. The web interface does not have the full functionality of FM Client.

[MacUSA]

Your needs seem so simple I doubt that it justifies spending $2,500 on software and even more on equipment and maintenance. Doesn't $17/month to pay a hosting company seem much more reaonable and trouble-free?

Just needed to add my 2¢ worth.

Dan McFalls

MacUSA.net

FileMaker Hosting

708-233-6638