Hi I'm currently working at a long-distance learning college and the system they use is FileMaker 7. They want their system revamping to be able to use things such as web publishing and generate clear and concise reports and graphs. There are approximately 15 users so Access wouldn't be adequate. The team need to be able to update and develop the system themselves when my contract ends so SQLs without a user interface are not really suitable. FileMaker 10 would have been perfect but they only have Pentium Celeron and therefore do not meet the minimum system requirements. Does anyone have any suggestions of database software that is similar to FileMaker but would work on Celeron.

Thanks,

Becky

FileMaker 10 would have been perfect but they only have Pentium Celeron and therefore do not meet the minimum system requirements

Not true - the minimum spec is Pentium 3, 700Mhz+

If the reference is for FM Server Advanced then they must get another machine to meet specification.

The best option route here is talk to FM sales directly and see if they qualify for educational/non profit discounts.

When I tried to install a trial of the software on one of the individual computers it stated that the software couldn't be installed as the computer didn't meet the minimum system requirements.

Hi I'm currently working at a long-distance learning college and the system they use is FileMaker 7. They want their system revamping to be able to use things such as web publishing and generate clear and concise reports and graphs. There are approximately 15 users so Access wouldn't be adequate. The team need to be able to update and develop the system themselves when my contract ends so SQLs without a user interface are not really suitable. FileMaker 10 would have been perfect but they only have Pentium Celeron and therefore do not meet the minimum system requirements. Does anyone have any suggestions of database software that is similar to FileMaker but would work on Celeron.

Thanks,

Becky

Just a thought here Becky. They may be being pennywise and pound foolish. You already have a system that has much of what you want. The incremental cost of a server machine and as many workstations as need upgrading could be quite small in comparison to redoing everything to add a few things. If a cheap server is the real problem, take a look at a mac mini with a suitable firewire dirve attached or take a look at remote hosting where someone else picks up the server hardware bill. Then everything else may just be doable.

Just thinkin

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm quite confused now. Would it be necessary to upgrade all of the PC's processors in order for FileMaker 10 to work? Also what is the minimum requirements of the server for FileMaker 10 Server? Thank You

The specifications are on the FMI website - FMServer Advanced definitely requires more oomph, although I'm surprised that FM 10 won't run on the Celeron (the P3/700 predates these by some considerable time. - is it a MEMORY issue? or possibly an OS level requirement. are they running Win2k or Window NT maybe?

As mentioned above the Mac Mini would be adequate - but if they are underfunded then where will they find the money for FM Server Advanced + 15 licenses - even with EDU discount.

To summarize:

-long-distance learning college

-the system they use is FileMaker 7.

-have Pentium Celeron

They want their system revamping to be able to use things such as

-web publishing and

-generate clear and concise reports

-and graphs.

-There are approximately 15 users

-The team need to be able to update and develop the system themselves

You've got a bunch of requirements here, some of which conflict. I have doubts as to whether you can have a solution for 15 people that creates graphs and reports and has web publishing that the client will be able to update themselves.

Filemaker isn't great at graphing without plugins and Instant Web Publishing (the most accessible form of web publishing) is not robust at all. You'll probably want Custom Web Publishing, but your client will need someone to make those changes.

In response to your actual question...I don't know why your install is failing, but if it is the processor, as others have said, if you're spending the money to upgrade the software (~3-4K), why not upgrade the machines?