Runtime Accessing Remote DB

[geod]

I am aware that bound runtime solutions cannot be networked, with the current developer editions. But what I was needing to know was can a bound runtime solution access a remote FileMaker DB via either FM Server or TCP-IP. I want to develop a program to that will allow other individuals to access this remote DB and download ( import ) data from it into their runtime solution.

Thank you.

Graham

[The Bridge]

I haven't really explored this more deeply than preliminary tests, but there are plugins available (separately) for Mac and Windows that will pull data into a field from the web. I believe they are called DoHTTP and TCP Extra. The URL for TCP Extra is http://www30.pair.com/miele/

Another option, untested and possibly too kludgy for your needs: Use the Open URL script step to call a -Format file served by FileMaker Unlimited. This will show the data in a browser window, but with some creative Javascript or some such thing you could theoretically get the data "out of the browser" as it were and into your database.

I'd love to hear what you come up with!

[geod]

Possibly I did not make myself clear. I know FM has the capability to do this. But seeing how the latest Developer Editions are said to create Standalone Runtime DBs only, I was wondering if it were possible given the current Developer technology.

Graham

[The Bridge]

From your message I gathered that you wanted to pull data from a remote FileMaker database into a bound runtime solution. As far as I know, the options I gave above are the only way to do it. Both options would require that the remote database is served via Web Companion using CDML.

Just to be clear, bound runtime solutions can be networked insofar as they can be hosted by FileMaker UL or Server and accessed with a FileMaker client.

[dynaflash]

I am sure you can. I have Developer 4.1 and I am currently running a bound solution of my own which runs in kiosk mode. I simply have an import script step assigned to a button which then brings up a window to locate a file. I can import any of your common delimited text files as well as another FM file. If I am networked and have another computer mounted on the desktop I can locate file in that machine and import them. I would imagine you could set it up to do it more seemlessly than that even. I do have to have the machines already networked though.

You can also use the export scripts to always be creating an exported copy of your databases and others can do the same. Also include an import from the same database to keep everyone updated. Kind of cumbersome but it does work. You do, however have to kind of schedule these imports, exports though so that you dont have two people hit the db at the same time. It can be done though.

Hope this helps