Filemaker Server

[tweenerz]

Hi all,

I am a little confused as to what Filemaker Server provides. When does it become necessary, or suggested, to use Filemaker Server. I can dedicate a computer, running Filemaker, to hosting databases that are shared among many people in the office. So what does Server do that the regular version doesn't. And then there is Unlimited which is for web users. And I know FM 7 has changed the way Server acts too.

So, can someone give me a brief explanantion of when I would need Server or Unlimited vs. standalone Filemaker and what they provide?

Thanks

 

[kertusa]

http://www.filemaker.com/products/fms_overview.html

The key advantages are scheduled backups, centralized administration, better 'performance', at least everywhere I've seen people make the switch and remote administration to start/stop sharing files.

Are your people in the database more than 3 hours per day each? Do you have more than, say, 5 people sharing the database for that amount of time? If yes, you should look at Server, especially if you've already dedicated a machine to hosting the files anyway.

Hope that helps, if you have any specific questions about server, please post.