MAC Notification of Multiple Users - Shared Solution

[Karl Dickhaus]

I have a solution that is shared between two users - both of whom need to be able to add, delete, change and manage all the data in the solution. User 2 does not have access to the scripting functions - but can add, delete or modify any data. The solution is stored in Dropbox - in a shared folder. Both users have a copy of FMP 10 installed on their machines. They open the file and log-in as unique users (different access). The problem is that if both change records at the same time, two copies of the solution are created. One is database and the other is database (User 2's conflicted copy dated today). I want to be able to warn the second user that the first user is currently logged in - so this won't happen. I tried using a Get ( UserCount ) function - but this only seems to work across an ethernet network. Anyone know if what I want to do is possible - and how to do it? I would prefer to do it without using custom functions, but any solution is fine. TIA, Karl.

[Ocean West]

Karl

I strongly recommend that you DO NOT keep your file in DROPBOX (the web hosted service) as you will potentially introduce corruption.

and you already seen the first issue of replication with simultaneous users.

If users are local (same office / LAN ) the second user needs to open remote to the the person who opened the file first.

If you need to have your database accessible by either user or over WAN you may wish to consider using a 3rd party hosting company.

http://thedroolingdog.com/

http://www.pointinspace.com/

http://www.filemaker11hosting.com/

http://www.adatasol.com/

you will also gain the benefit of having your database backed up at least once daily.

[Steven H. Blackwell]

I have a solution that is shared between two users - both of whom need to be able to add, delete, change and manage all the data in the solution. User 2 does not have access to the scripting functions - but can add, delete or modify any data. The solution is stored in Dropbox - in a shared folder. Both users have a copy of FMP 10 installed on their machines. They open the file and log-in as unique users (different access). The problem is that if both change records at the same time, two copies of the solution are created. One is database and the other is database (User 2's conflicted copy dated today). I want to be able to warn the second user that the first user is currently logged in - so this won't happen. I tried using a Get ( UserCount ) function - but this only seems to work across an ethernet network. Anyone know if what I want to do is possible - and how to do it? I would prefer to do it without using custom functions, but any solution is fine. TIA, Karl.

This really is a very bad situation. Please note what Ocean West said. I strongly recommend you stop this process immediately. Your files are likely damaged already.

Steven

[Wim Decorte]

If users are local (same office / LAN ) the second user needs to open remote to the the person who opened the file first.

I'll put it even stronger: the 2nd user should NOT be able to find the file in any shared folder. Without using FileMaker Server, the same user needs to open the file as the host every single time to avoid corruption.

If FMS is too expensive then look at Ocean West's list of 3rd party hosting companies.