Newbie FM Go - with/without FM Server

[devices99]

Completely new to Go, in fact I've only just started to read the pages on the FM website!! Don't even have an iPad to test it out on.... yet!

I have a customer who doesn't use FM Server, but who is considering adding iPads for sales staff, so they can capture data with customers and return to base and upload the information.

If we were to develop a FileMaker Go solution (probably a subset of their current main system), which captured customer details, orders etc. How can the data be integrated back (from 3 or 4 sales people on different iPads) to their main FileMaker system without using Server? Is it just a case of copying the data and having a script merge or are there more sophisticated options available in Go?

Also for other larger customers using FM Server and Go on iPads, how does data connection/sync work? Do the iPads take a snapshot of the system out on the road, then sync back in the office? Is this automated or do you have to script/develop all the routines?

[bcooney]

FMGo didn't change the fact that any off-line activity requires a syncing routine.

The ideal FMGo setup connects to the Server (doesn't run a separate copy of the database and try to sync).

Sync routines are NOT trivial. WorldSync is the defacto standard. Many rumors/hopefuls for an FMI solution.

Best practice, develop layouts/functionality specifically for the FMGo clients and branch to this "world" in your Open Script.

[devices99]

FMGo didn't change the fact that any off-line activity requires a syncing routine.

The ideal FMGo setup connects to the Server (doesn't run a separate copy of the database and try to sync).

Sync routines are NOT trivial. WorldSync is the defacto standard. Many rumors/hopefuls for an FMI solution.

Best practice, develop layouts/functionality specifically for the FMGo clients and branch to this "world" in your Open Script.

Thanks bcooney, bit disappointed there are no direct syncing routines in Go - Syncing I agree is complex, I've written some mindbending VB and SQL routines in Access for subset syncing for offsite users for roaming systems. (Will review SyncDek from WorldSync.)

So, if the ideal Go setup connects to Server (live), how is this catered for when people are out and about from the office - is it expected to put the Server on a secure internet connection and only allow live database access via Go like this, via a wi-fi, or use the 3G iPads only?

Thanks!

[bcooney]

Ah, so you know what you might be in for. WAN access and the security for it is not really a FMGo issue (as it acts just like a FM Client). Whatever you'd require for any remote user connection applies to FMGo as well.

[John Sindelar]

You can use the GoZync framework to work offline in FileMaker Go...

http://www.seedcode.com/gpzync

...and the push changes to the server/host when you do have an internet connection.

Hope that helps,

John

[IdealData]

You can use the GoZync framework to work offline in FileMaker Go...

http://www.seedcode.com/gpzync

...and the push changes to the server/host when you do have an internet connection.

Hope that helps,

John

try...

http://www.seedcode.com/gozync