Sharing an FM database over a WAN

[attention_john]

Experts,

What is the recommend configuration for sharing a database over a WAN and are there any specification for how fast the broadband internet configuration must be?

My configuration is

System server

• OS Windows Small Business Server 2003
  

Filemaker Server

• Filemaker Server 11
  
• OS Windows 7 PRO
  
• Server grade hardware
  

My client has a static public IP address

TIA

John

[Steven H. Blackwell]

I would swap the OS on the FileMaker Server to Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition or Windows Server instead of Windows 7. You need 4 GB RAM in that FMS machine. You are at the mercy of the Internet in terms of the rated capacity of the connection. Your only control is your own bandwidth out. T-1 is too slow in most instances. I'd try at least 6MBPS. You may have to experiment with this.

Bandwidth is just one factor--and not even in the top 5 of importance. Server processor, hard disk subsystem, installed RAM, system architecture, and workstation configuration for the FMP clients are all major items affecting WAN based usage.

See the Server White Paper from FMI on this.

Steven

[attention_john]

Steven,

The database only has 5 users and is limited to data entry, there are no reports. Do you think that I can get away with using Windows 7 Pro on the FM server?

How do I specify the public IP address of the server, do I use IIS on the main server?

Is there a white paper that deals specifically with IIS configuration?

Thanks,

John

[Steven H. Blackwell]

IIS isn't necessary for FileMaker Server to host files for access by FIleMaker Pro. Why are you using it?

You can "get away" with a lot. But if you're serious about your system, use a certified Server OS.

Steven