Hi So far, I've done developing only for desktop/client based solutions, but I'm now talking to two different departments in a college setting about upgrading their existing legacy databases and making them accessible to a wider (but not huge) audience within the walls of the college. So, I'm figuring FMP Server 11 is the way to go, and it's high time I got educated/experienced with Server.

First, though some really basic questions:

1) If they are part of the same college computer network, will a single FMP Server license suffice for managing databases for both departments? Is there a maximum number of database files that server can manage? I imagine not . . .

2) So, the licensing fees would be $999 for basic FMP Server + a bundle of 5+ licenses for what looks like $250 per computer? (You still have to have FMP installed on a computer to access the databases on Server directly, right?). But files can be shared via IWP or CWP for most users -- so really it's just users who need to be doing data or design work in the actual file that need licensing. Yes?

3) If I want to access / administer the databases remotely, (from my home office) then I need to buy a separate version of Server for myself, right?

Thanks for helping out a Server newb!

1. Yes 1 server; yes there is a file limit. Suggest you look at FileMaker Server tech specs page.

2. No IWP available with $999 Server.

3. No.

Ah - so regarding (3) -- is it that I can't access Server remotely from a computer not on the network?

How about accessing just a database file itself -- for instance, can I set configure the file on-site in such a way that I can use "Open Remote" from FMP 11 Advanced to open a file and do work on layouts, data structure etc.? Or does using Server make a wall where the only way to access the workings of a file is to be onsite (on a computer directly connected to the network)?

Neither way.

Don't work on schema of live, hosted files. This invites serious trouble when your connection drops.

You can access hosted files remotely, provided the network firewall has Port 5003 open and forwarded to the Server machine.

You can administer the Server remotely, provided that Ports 16000 and 16001 are opened as above.

IWP requires FileMaker Server Advanced.

There are several BAFDA members who are good with Server deployment. I'd recommend that you retain one to help you.

Steven