Runtime updater

[LostInTranslation]

Hi All,

I have a data base that runs on a networked harddrive, I have created a runtime to distribute to co workers to input data into. I am trying to figure out how to get the data they input to be updated on the fmp file and then sent back out to the runtimes, so that everyone can see any changes made by other people when they look at their runtime.

(ie one person make a new entry in their runtime, the central networked fmp file is updated with this new entry and then the other runtimes are updated from the central networked fmp file.)

I am doing it this way because we are a small company and can afford only 1 copy of fmp adv., thus the need for runtimes. I would also like this to be done on an automatic basis and in the background so users can't see it happening.

[Zcast]

Well, you are going to find out that "runtimes" are only single users. The "runtime data" file can be networked, but not without FM server 10. You need to look into Instant web publishing, otherwise known as IWP. You simply place the NON-runtime file and FMP10advanced on the "host" computer, turn on IWP, give the "network address" such as 192.168.1.2 of the host PC to the others in the office, and all changes they make will update in the solution file. Just read up on IWP, and record-locking, and you'll figure out what you need to do. How many workers do you have that will be updating the file?

[LostInTranslation]

Thanks for the info, so i can IWP a runtime? and it will update the source file? will the runtime also be updated the next time it is opened? I have 4 people that will be using runtimes, and myself on fmp

[Vaughan]

so i can IWP a runtime?

FileMaker Server Advanced can share a runtime file, yes. But this shared file will replace the runtime on everybody's computer. Everybody will access the database through the web browser.

[IdealData]

I am doing it this way because we are a small company and can afford only 1 copy of fmp adv

A little bit under-funded?

The IWP option is your ONLY option if you have no money to invest in more FM licenses and FM Server.

FMP10 Adv. will serve upto 5 concurrent IWP users and a further 9 FMP clients (plus itself) - so it can be used as an effective "server" solution in a small environment.

IWP has some drawbacks and you should read up on these in the documentation before trying this route.

[comment]

See:

http://fmforums.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/197729/#301883

http://fmforums.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/200462/#314039

[Søren Dyhr]

A little bit under-funded?

I'm fully with Mark here, ever since 1995 have filemakers runtimes been intended as a mean to issue proto types during developement ONLY. The foil wrapped wet dream is something not catered for at all!

As RAD tool is Filemaker shining, with the pace you can accomplish things in - But the strategy behind is what Dominic Goupil call's "Groupware" where each and every user has his/her own copy of the RAD with or without the bells and whistels.

Developing matters as runtimes should be categorized as pennywise pound foolish - outside the prototyping realm.

--sd

[LostInTranslation]

I tried IWP and there is issues with buttons not working. My whole point for trying a runtime is because A) too expensive at this point in time to have every machine with fmp, and B)the people using the solution only understand point click and enter. Anything more scares them. Most DB work is done offsite and just needs to communicate via internet connection to main DB housed on in house server. I thought that a runtime was basically for the purpose of having offsite access to the DB for, say customer feedback, at a kiosk. Am I totally off with this assumption? which is basically what i'm trying to do. Only with the runtime being able to show what other people at other kiosks have input as well.

[Vaughan]

No, a runtime is single user only, no network capabilities, no ability to share information. There is no back-door way around this limitation. (Any way around it is expressly against the license.)

The cost of licenses for FMS and FMP might seem like a lot, but in fact it's cheap compared to the cost of development at $100 an hour. How many hours have been already spent with this runtime and IWP solution?

If there really is no money for FMP licenses then look at developing the solution in an open source environment like Ruby On Rails or LAMP.

[Vaughan]

The foil wrapped wet dream...

You have a way with words, Soren. FMI's marketing department: are you taking notes? :

[comment]

no ability to share information

That's not strictly true: a runtime can export and import - surely, that's "sharing information"? At least FMI seem to agree:

http://www.filemaker.com/help/html/part3.html#1027500

The cost of licenses for FMS and FMP might seem like a lot, but in fact it's cheap compared to the cost of development

That's a very good point.

[bruceR]

Seems like time to get real about the value of the data that runs your business. You're wasting time staring at nickels.