services wanted Hosting provider for FileMaker databases

[dmontano]

I would like to host my FileMaker databases through a hosting company. The hosting company I have for my websites use Linux and Windows servers - no Mac servers. I think FileMaker Server requires either Windows or Mac running either Apache or IIs...

Assuming my hosting company does not have FileMaker server software, is it possible to run my databases if I purchase FileMaker Server and install it on a portion of the allocated server space I have with them?

I would like to be able to do a few things with my hosted databases:

1. Provide access for remote FileMaker developers to develop and maintain the databases for me;

2. Provide a permanent home for my database files so myself and others can use the databases for my business.

If this is possible, I believe the access method will need to be either: Remote with all users having FileMaker client, CWP with PHP, or IWP. I assume remote and IWP will be slow.

I am concerned primarily with figuring out the infrastructure of my needs for my business. Since my business will be working with mostly remote individuals - I need a "cloud" type of server to store my data and some tools for interacting with the data.

Any help and observations is much appreciated.

Thanks,

David

[IdealData]

is it possible to run my databases if I purchase FileMaker Server and install it on a portion of the allocated server space I have with them?

It is more probably a question whether your hosting provider will permit you to install FM Server at all - most won't.

Have you considered server co-location? You can install your own equipment and software and you have total control. Have a look at

http://www.macminicolo.net/macmini.html

or possibly

http://www.worldcloud.com/fms10adv.html

I am also interested in your remote FM development opportunity.

[MacUSA]

Seems like your plans may be overkill. With shared servers you can do a whole lot for very little. For example:

$16.95 per month can buy you FileMaker database only hosting.

$21.95 per month can buy you FileMaker and web hosting.

$36.95 per month can give you the above plus enough file space accessible via FTP, WebDAV, Apple File Sharing, Windows Networking, and a web browser.

And two months free when paying annually.

MacUSA.net

[John May - Point In Space]

We can certainly provide said services for you, and have been providing similar for other companies for over 10 years. Have a look at our offerings at:

http://www.pointinspace.com/

and feel free to let me know if you have any additional questions either here or off-list to jmay(at)pointinspace.com. Thanks!

- John

[wclo]

worldcloud.com will provide you with a FileMaker Server for your FileMaker Hosting platform with Open Remote, IWP , php web publishing engines installed and ready to go, starting at $50/monthly -

worldcloud.com provides dedicated servers across its multiple regional datacenters - you may specify region and choose your server timezone - your choice of Windows 2003, Windows 2008 and OSX Server operating systems -

visit our online configuration page to get started -

http://worldcloud.com

[email protected]

[dmontano]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I reviewed the four FIleMaker hosting references provided and unfortunately has led to more questions - and quandaries.

I am learning as I go so bear with me... some observations:

1. I thought I could host FileMaker through my current web hosting provider. As Idealdata pointed out - I can not.

2. The are providers for FileMaker hosting. However, it is more constrained than what I "wanted" a few weeks ago. This was due to my ignorance.

3. I want a "space" or "cloud" where I have access anywhere, and can provide access to anyone for FileMaker development, maintenance, and ultimately use.

4. My previous conception of FileMaker Server was wrong. I thought I could allow IWP access to a couple dozen people - but know I have learned that is only offered through Server Advanced. And that is quite a hefty price jump from Server to Server Advanced.

5. The available FileMaker hosting services will not provide me the "File Server" that I am also looking for. A file server that has thousands of files on it that are not even related to FileMaker; such as Excel, Word, PhotoShop, InDesign, etc.

While the FileMaker hosting sounds viable when you are ready to deploy your databases, it will be very limiting to work on as a "dev" and a "live" FileMaker host - at least in my case as I need a place to dump all the FileMaker files I have created over the years so another developer can see what pieces I have. I do want to reiterate that I do think FileMaker hosting is the way to go when you have a few DBs ready to go live.

The "Scope" of what I want was not described well to begin with and needs to be broadened to include a file server. So, I bought a Mac Mini thinking that I could use it at home, use DynDNS possibly to set up a pseudo static IP address (never heard of this but well-respected person through it out as a possibility), and use it as a file server AND allow it to serve FileMaker. From what I read, this seems doable from a file server standpoint - but problematic for FileMaker Server due to advice about file sharing must be turned off on the FileMaker Server.

I am sure I have cobbled up this information pretty good - but it does shed some light that this is a pain in the.... Maybe I am trying to do to many things - or there are too many limiting factors between budget, ISP provider, software limitations, and the like. I was hoping to run FileMaker Serve, cut my teeth on it, and work with remote developers and a handful of users. Then, one day go live.

At this point, my strategy is to set up the Mac Mini and get it functioning as a file server so anyone I provide access to can get file they need. I am sure this will be a challenge and will be limiting in some respect (speed and reliability I suspect). As for getting FileMaker Server to due what I would like to do on the Mac Min - sounds doubtful. But, what other options do I have but to try?