FileMaker vs. Internal Network

[WingMaker]

Hi All,

I need some feedback on some issues. I have a solution that is inside an Internal Network (My company's internal network) Having web solutions for our costumer can be a bit difficult since they have to log in to the network, via VPN. Is it possible to build web solutions since the filemaker DB is inside the filewall for my costumer and not have them log in to the network(basically having it accessible to anybody)?

If this cannot happen, can I have filemaker on a different server, in which I can build web solutions from that DB? How can I effectively exchange data from this 'new filemaker DB' on a different server outside the firewall to the main DB that is inside the network?

I hope I explained myself accurately, if not, let me know.

thanks

RB

[Mike Cavalieri]

RB,

Two questions:

1. Will your company allow any ports to be opened in the firewall?

2. What is the purpose of the solution that your company uses versus the purpose your customers will be viewing? Can you separate the two functions, which would in essence, allow you to build two solutions: one internal and the other external?

Hope we can figure something out!

[John May - Point In Space]

You may want to consider using a 3rd party hosting provider, such as ourselves:

http://www.pointinspace.com/

You can either use FileMaker Network Sharing to directly edit your database running on the servers here, or use our Database Manager to perform full file updates with local versions.

Feel free to contact me here or off list at jmay(at)pointinspace.com if you have any further questions.

- John

[WingMaker]

@Mike Cavalieri

no, my company will not allow any ports through the firewall.

the purpose of the solution that my company uses is for everything. the solution runs the company and production in the plant. (Orders,lineitems,production jobs,invoicing) The purpose of the solution for the customer is for displaying data. (order status, shipping status,production status) Records/Data will need to be imported into this new solution outside the firewall, allowing my customers to see without entering the network.

thanks

RB

[WingMaker]

@John May - Point In Space

When you say 'Filemaker Network Sharing to directly edit your database running' How exactly will that work? Running scripts to import/export records? Build relationship to display the data?

thanks

RB

[John May - Point In Space]

You can log directly into your database running on a remote server using a copy of FileMaker Pro, then edit it just as if it were opened off your local desktop.

If you need to synchronize internal/external databases, that becomes more difficult.

- John