Email through Filemaker Server

[Answers]

I can create email scripts that attach files, sends to multiple addresses etc... All these scripts launches the email client on that workstation. What I need now is to have the email script email through the filemaker server. The boss doesn't want the email going from the workstation, they want the email to be sent from the filemaker server where of course the database is hosted from.. not sure how to do this?

any help is greatly appreciated!

Caroline

[bcooney]

If you are using FM9, you may wish to upgrade. In either 10 or 11, they introduced SMTP capabilities in FM, no longer requiring an email client.

You would compose the email in a Filemaker record and use Send Mail to capture the data from this record and send it.

To have FMS11 collect all unsent email records, simply write a server script that finds all unsent emails, and then loops thru them, sending and stamping the DateSent.

Or, investigate plugsin. Plugins allow for html email, multiple attachments and graphics. They too can send from Server. Google filemaker email plugins.

[Answers]

Thank you.

All the workstations are on 9 and the server is 10. We could upgrade all the workstations but I'll also check into the plugins.

If I do upgrade I wanted the script to automatically send the email when the client hits send... I guess I'm confused about the server finding all unsent emails and looping through.

[bcooney]

Nope, sending isn't really going to happen when they click Send. The server will find the unsent emails (no Date_Sent) and send them. You need a server script scheduled (every 5 minutes) to find and send the unsent emails.

Do you have a table for Email records?

[Answers]

The email address is in a field in a related table that stores the contact information.

They should just email from the client but they have their reasons.

[bcooney]

Ah, so you don't have a table of emails? You'll need that. Since you won't be using an email client, you'll need to create a table in your system of the child emails.

We call this table Activities (it's more than emails). Each record has the foreign key of the contact. You'll need a layout for data entry into this record, and such fields as email_To (lookup from Contact on record create), email_From, email_Subject, email_Body, Date_Sent.

Have a look at some plugin demos. They've already recreated an Email client in FM.

Edited August 26, 2010 by Guest

[Answers]

Okay, next problem. I just want to be able to include a logo in the email. I have a signature on the email client but when the script is executed the email does not show the logo.

How do I fix that problem?

[bcooney]

Buy a plugin or use ScriptMaster's email function. FM does not support html email natively, ie, no graphics, no formatting.