FileMaker 18 was released on May 22nd, 2019 and you can read the official announcement from FileMaker Inc. here. You can also test drive the trial version.

New Features of FileMaker 18

FileMaker 18 is a great release and has features everyone can benefit from. We look forward to building innovative custom applications using the new tools for mobile, web and desktop.

New Features of FileMaker 18 Server

FileMaker Server 18 is compatible with Windows Server 2016 Standard Edition, Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard with Update Microsoft KB2919355, macOS High Sierra 10.13, and macOS Sierra 10.12. If you’re on Windows Server 2008 it’s a good time to think about moving to FileMaker Cloud. Also worth noting the release of a Spanish FileMaker Server support.

WebDirect desktop browser support includes Safari 12.x, IE 11.x, Microsoft Edge 44+, Chrome 72+, and mobile browser support includes Safari on iOS 12.x minimum and Chrome 72 on Android 7.x. Note that Firefox is not on the list of supported browsers.

FileMaker 18 For Desktop and iOS

FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone has all the features provided in FileMaker Pro Advanced plus specific iOS features. You will need FileMaker Pro Advanced on the desktop to build your custom application.

1. Ability to append a new PDF to an existing one via the Save Records as PDF script step’s append option on Go.
2. Using the script step Insert from Device you can now read PDF417 (IDs), ITF-14 (packages), Aztec (mobile), and Data Matrix (labels, letters, food) barcode types.
3. Using the FileMaker iOS SDK you can use MDM (Multi Device Management) to authenticate your application with the same OAuth providers supported in regular FileMaker applications: Amazon, Google, and Microsoft Azure.

FileMaker Server 18

FileMaker Server is known for its ease-of-use and ability to run without any problems.

The newest version focuses on performance improvements, FileMaker Server Admin Console interface enhancements, security updates, FileMaker Data API enhancements, and the Official FileMaker Admin API.

1. FileMaker has enhanced the performance of FileMaker Server’s database engine, speeding up finds when many users are connected to the server.
2. Unfortunately servers do go down unexpectedly due to hardware failure or power outages, but with the new Startup Restoration feature, FileMaker Server will automatically fix corrupt files after the server is restarted.
3. FileMaker Server has been updated to work better with Zabbix, an open-source server monitoring software. You can monitor users, memory, cpu, disk space, network traffic, and processes, and you can trigger events on stats.
4. The future of FileMaker Custom Web Publishing is the FileMaker Data API and it is now in parity with the functionality provided by the FileMaker PHP API.
5. The FileMaker Server Admin API allows administrators to create their own interfaces to manage servers. 

Summary

The FileMaker platform continues to be the leader in creating innovative, powerful custom applications for organizations all around the world and works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, and the web.

FileMaker Go gives the platform a competitive edge and this version continues to build off its strong foundation. Organizations can create innovative and rapid custom applications for iOS with great ROI.

Contact Us for FileMaker 18 Services

FMDBSolutions is a team of custom FileMaker app experts that have performed projects for companies in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia. Just take a look at our FileMaker portfolio and see for yourself.

Provide us with the details of your FileMaker problem(s) / specifications and we will analyze your situation and come up with a solution. We thoroughly evaluate and discuss customer requirements to ensure that the solution we provide matches the customer’s needs and desires. Our Sales, Marketing, and Project Management are all handled by our Texas office in the United States. 

Our developers have gained certification in FileMaker 18 and we know all the ins and outs of the software. Contact us to discuss with one of our certified FileMaker experts and get a free FileMaker consultation (or click the yellow box down under) – This initial consultation is at no charge! 

You can also leave us your email below for receiving new updates regarding FileMaker and our company.

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• Restarting the FileMaker Server 
• Restart the WebDirect Engine 
• Restarting the server machine.
• Install the latest FileMaker Server patches.
• Update the latest Java version

3. Copy the Server Version from admin console and paste it onto the product-version parameter in the “jwpc_config.xml” file

4. Save the file “jwpc_config.xml” in the filepath “ C:\Program Files\FileMaker\FileMaker Server\Web Publishing\conf\”

FileMaker Server Experts at FMDBSolutions

FMDBSolutions is a group of custom FileMaker app experts that know all the ins and outs of FileMaker Server. Our experienced team has written blog posts on Fixing the Server Admin Issue as well as Enabling the Web Server, both related to simplifying FileMaker Server experience.

We also perform services for FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Go such as integration, maintenance, and migration. Contact us right away to get in touch or get a free FileMaker consultation with our experts with our experts by clicking the box below.

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What is FileMaker Server?

FileMaker Server is used to securely share data between multiple user groups using FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, FileMaker WebDirect, and FileMaker Custom Web Publishing.

The FileMaker Server can also be used for performing a few automated tasks such as Backups, Generating reports, and Saving Information in a PDF using the scripts performed in the Server. If you need assistance, we also wrote a post on Displaying the PDF in Preview Mode.

FM GO and WebDirect users connecting FileMaker Server will be counted as a User connection. These user connections need to be purchased from FileMaker for accessing the database (DB). FileMaker Pro access will not be counted as a user connection.

Important FileMaker Server Notes

• In Security, FileMaker Server has AES 256-bit encryption which can be enabled using FileMaker Pro Advanced (Developer Tool). FileMaker provides SSL which can be purchased and installed. All SSL connections will encrypt the data transfer.

• You can access FileMaker Server through external authentication via Active Directory/Open Directory.

• Make use of the other FileMaker Server Database to connect via ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) and JDBC (Java Database Connectivity). This helps to read from and write to FileMaker apps hosted by FileMaker Server. It supports up to 50 simultaneous ODBC/JDBC remote connections.

• FileMaker Server can simplify credential management by specifying OAuth 2.0 third-party authentication providers.

Features of FileMaker Server

1. Logging Top Call Statistics 

This feature allows the FileMaker Server Administrator to track and maintain the record of up to 25 longest individual remote calls. Using this log file, you can investigate and pinpoint each user-specific operations on this particular server to resolve any performance issues on the Server. 

2. Enhanced Security Logs

Administrators can use security-related messages to detect and investigate attempted and successful unauthorized activity and to troubleshoot problems. The log created can be filtered and sorted.

3. OAuth 2.0 support for accounts

OAuth is a third-party identity provider that has been specified in FileMaker Server to authenticate a user account.

4. More User Connection via Web

FileMaker WebDirect feature provides connections up to 500 users at the same time.Anyone who access to the internet or an intranet and with the compatible web browser can connect to FileMaker WebDirect to view, edit, sort, search records. For more on FileMaker Server, read about it on the FileMaker website.

FileMaker Server on Cloud 

FileMaker now has the FileMaker Cloud for Server usage. It is a cloud-based platform for managing FileMaker apps. It provides the simple and easier performance of the FileMaker Platform without providing time and resources for maintaining the Server.

FileMaker Cloud is currently only available in the United States and Canada. The core features are:

• Speedy deployment – Does not need any hardware/software setup

• Network Security – SSL/TLS level encryption supported with automates certificate management.

• FileMaker Cloud Admin Console – Dashboard for the system and app performance

• Separate Data/Configuration Setup – FileMaker Cloud stores the Developers files as a separate file which makes the upgrades and maintenance restart much more easier.

That was FMDBSolutions offering a closer look at FileMaker Server from .

FileMaker Server Experts at FMDBSolutions

FMDBSolutions is a group of custom FileMaker app experts that know all the ins and outs of FileMaker Server. Our experienced team has written blog posts on Fixing the Server Admin Issue as well as Enabling the Web Server, both related to simplifying FileMaker Server experience.

We also perform services for FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Go such as integration, maintenance, and migration. Contact us right away to get in touch or get a free FileMaker consultation with our experts with our experts by clicking the box below.

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Master-Detail View in FileMaker 17 Explained

Master-Detail View or Master-Detail Layout is a new feature recently introduced in FileMaker 17. This layout was one of the updates given in their press release for the launch of FileMaker 17.

If you are unaware of what Master-Detail View is or what it does, let us give you a rundown.

Master-Detail View: Overview

The Master-Detail View uses a portal to display the Master List. The Detail fields of the selected record can be viewed on the same layout. In the past, app developers would have used the Self-Joins, Portal Filters to accomplish this functionality.

Here’s how you can take advantage of this brand new FileMaker feature. 

Master-Detail View: Configuration 

To use Master-Detail view feature, configure a portal via the Portal Setup dialog with “Show records from” as “Current Table” option. In this feature, we select the same table occurrence that the layout is based on, rather than selecting a related table.

Take a look at the following example. We select the same table “Projects”. We are now able to navigate between the records using the portal.

Pretty neat, right?

Master-Detail View: Merits

Now that Master-Detail View has been introduced, the FileMaker 17 experience has been enhanced. There are three big benefits of using this view, which are:

• Filtering of the portal can be done by the user’s found set (e.g., via finds and omits).

• Sorting the current record set will sort the portal records.

• Creating or deleting the records in the current found set will delete the records in the portal.

This was definitely a necessary update and we are glad that Apple introduced it to the latest version of FileMaker.

FMDBSolutions are FileMaker Masters

That’s it for this article and now you know more about Master-Detail View in FileMaker 17 than before. For more on other FM 17 attributes, there’s our post, Key Features of FileMaker 17 Explained.

FMDBSolutions is a team of custom FileMaker app experts with massive knowledge and wide understanding of FileMaker. We have many projects under our belt, which you can see by viewing our FileMaker Portfolio.

We work with clients on a global scale and have done so for the better part of a decade. Want solutions? Choose us. We can handle all types of projects, big and small. Contact our team right now or press this box for a free FileMaker consultation

Leave us your email below for updates on FileMaker and our company.

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FileMaker 17 Kicks Off

FileMaker 17 was released on May 15th, 2018 and you can read the official announcement from FileMaker Inc. here. You can also test drive the trial version.

With the current launch, the company is doubling back on the principles that have contributed it to some million active readers who currently use the support across businesses, and in the small and midsize businesses, in addition to large businesses.

What’s Different in FileMaker 17?

In the previous release (FileMaker 16), the business included a number of programs that assisted professional programmers bring in external information through APIs along with other more pro-oriented capabilities.

The FileMaker 17 launch builds on this, but concentrates on the “lower-end of the tech acumen spectrum,” as Andrew LeCates, Director Platform Evangelism at FileMaker Inc. has said. He did notice, however, the firm doesn’t actually think of the distinction between the specialists and the more casual users.

FileMaker 17 starts using a renewed focus on the fundamentals

FileMaker is great because even professional programmers frequently use it to instantly get a project off the floor and it offers rapid app development. With the launch of the 17th version, FileMaker goes back to the basics. This doesn’t mean there’s nothing new, however.

New Features of FileMaker 17

This upgrade was a step up from FileMaker 16. There are several new features that were added in FileMaker 17. We are going to separate them by system / type.

FileMaker 17 for Desktop

For the FileMaker desktop version (FileMaker Pro) on both Mac and Windows, there were 4 major features that were added. Here they are:

1. You can send multiple attachments directly using the native send mail option.
2. Lock the application for a particular user for 5 minutes after 5 failed login attempts.
3. Data migration tool helps the user to migrate the data from one database to another much faster.
4. Building the master/detail view in a single layout is much more easier compared to the previous versions.

FileMaker 17 for iOS

There were also features that were added in FileMaker Go 17, which is an app through which you can access FileMaker. Here are the 2 FileMaker 17 features:

1. It allows the user to drag and drop data between any other applications.
2. Notifications could be exhibited in-house display utilizing the iBeacon or even the configured geo-fence.

FileMaker Server 17

FileMaker Server 17 wasn’t without its features, either. Here are the new improvements.

1. New UI for the FileMaker Server 17 that is similar to the FileMaker Cloud.
2. Set Using the Command Line Interface

The following settings have been removed from Admin Console, but can be set using the CLI command fmsadmin set server-config:

• Host password-protected databases only
• Limit number of FileMaker Pro client connections
• Maximum number of files to host
• Maximum simultaneous script sessions
• RAM reserved for database cache
• Statistics collection interval
• Progressive backup save interval
• Log file size limit

Those were the key features of FileMaker 17 explained by our experts. Be sure to follow the FileMaker best practices while you’re at it.

Contact Us for FileMaker 17 Services 

FMDBSolutions is a team of custom FileMaker app experts that have performed projects for companies in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia. Just take a look at our FileMaker portfolio and see for yourself.

Provide us with the details of your FileMaker problem(s) / specifications and we will analyze your situation and come up with a solution. We thoroughly evaluate and discuss customer requirements to ensure that the solution we provide matches the customer’s needs and desires. Our Sales, Marketing, and Project Management are all handled by our Texas office in the United States. 

Our developers have gained certification in FileMaker 17 and we know all the ins and outs of the software. Contact us to discuss with one of our certified FileMaker experts and get a free FileMaker consultation (or click the yellow box down under) – This initial consultation is at no charge! 

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This issue has left many stumped, but no longer. Here is a breakdown of the FileMaker Server Admin issue and how you can fix it in one simple step.

What is FileMaker Server?

First, a bit of background. FileMaker Server is a software whose purpose is to securely share data between multiple user groups using FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, WebDirect, and Custom Web Publishing.

You can also use it to perform automated tasks such as backing up your software, generating reports, or saving information in a PDF. Speaking of which, we have a post on Displaying the PDF in Preview Mode.

Back to the FileMaker Server topic. FM GO and WebDirect users connecting to the Server are counted as distinct user connections. You have to purchase these user connections from FileMaker Inc. for accessing the database. The good news is that FM Pro (Client) access is not a user connection.

The Server has AES 256-bit encryption which you can enable using FM Pro Advanced (Developer Tool). FileMaker also provides an SSL which one can purchase and install separately.

FileMaker Server access through external authentication is via Active Directory/Open Directory.

FileMaker Server Details and Information

Here are some specifics of the FM Server in this situation. We will get to the problem and its solution afterward.

Version: FileMaker Server 14

Server: Mac Pro with 20GB RAM and 12 core processor

Deployment: Dual Server deployment – i.e. The master machine hosts the Database Server while the Web Server gets installed on the Worker machine. Both of these machines are interlinked within the network.

Users: 

a. FileMaker Pro – 50 users

b. FileMaker WebDirect – 400 users

Server Admin Quandary

The problem is that you have installed FileMaker Server 14 on your Mac. However, you are unable to launch the FileMaker Server Admin Console due to an ‘HTTP STATUS 500’ error but the client is still running and you can access the hosted databases.

Solution to FileMaker Server Admin Issue

As stated before, this issue can be fixed in one simple step. This error message shows up because you installed the incorrect Java version on your server machine, so install the compatible Java version to resolve the issue. Download Java of the latest version and you should now be able to access the FileMaker Server Admin Console. Click here if you need more help with downloading Java for Mac. 

FileMaker Server Development from FMDBSolutions

That was how you can fix the FileMaker Server Admin issue. We hope this article helped. You can also read our blog post on Enabling the FileMaker Web Server if you are facing that problem.

FMDBSolutions offers custom FileMaker development services that can help personalize and enhance your software. Our team of experts is experienced and well-versed in cracking a number of FileMaker problems, be it version 14, 15, 16, 17, or the FM Go App. Say goodbye to all your FileMaker Server troubles by working with us. Click below for a free FileMaker consultation.

Contact us for more and please leave us your email for receiving new updates.

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What is FileMaker Server?

FileMaker Server is used to securely share data between multiple user groups using FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, FileMaker WebDirect and FileMaker Custom Web Publishing.

It can also be used to perform automated tasks such as backups, generate reports, save information in a PDF, etc. By the way, our first post was on displaying PDF in Preview Mode if you need help on that end.

Anyway, FM GO and FileMaker WebDirect users connecting to the FileMaker Server will be counted as distinct user connections. These user connections need to be purchased from FileMaker Inc. for accessing the database. FileMaker Pro (Client) access is not counted as a user connection.

FileMaker Server has AES 256-bit encryption which can be enabled using FileMaker Pro Advanced (Developer Tool). The FileMaker software also provides a secure sockets layer (SSL) which you can purchase and install separately. Server access through external authentication is via Active Directory/Open Directory.

System Information

Here are the details relating to the FileMaker Server along with other important data. 

FileMaker Version: FileMaker Server 14

Server: Mac Pro with 20GB RAM and 12 core processor

Deployment: Dual Server deployment – i.e. The Database Server will be hosted on a Master machine and the Web Server will be installed on a client machine. Both these machines will be interlinked within a Local Area Network (LAN).

Users: 400

a. FileMaker Pro – 50 users

b. WebDirect – 400 users

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s move on to the heart of the problem.

The FileMaker Server Setback

We had installed FileMaker 14 Server with several hosted databases. We have users accessing the databases via desktop using FileMaker Pro and WebDirect.

The Web Server was not enabled. However, the Web Publishing Engine was enabled and was displayed in a greenish color. The issue happened after our System Admin restarted the Apache Server. He executed the following command at the prompt:

sudo apachel -k stop / start

Subsequently, the Web Server was not enabled and was displayed in a grayish color.

The FileMaker Server Solution

We were unable to pinpoint the exact cause of the error right off the bat, but we had to start somewhere.

The first thought that came to our minds was that the issue could be with the Apache Web Server.

We ran this command in the Terminal to restart the Web Server:

admin$ fmsadmin restart HTTPserver
fmsadmin: really restart HTTPserver? (y, n) y
admin$

(Ignore the ‘admin$’ part as that is the terminal window prompt on our own system.)

There wasn’t much change though, as the Web Server and SuperContainer were still down. The web page showed nothing at the link. There was no web page, just a broken link.

Next, we tried a graceful start of the FileMaker Web Server:

admin$ /usr/sbin/httpd -k graceful -D FILEMAKER -f /Library/FileMaker Server/HTTPServer/conf/httpd.conf
httpd not running, trying to start
exit code 1

That indicated that the base web services were not running, so we tried this:

admin$ sudo apachectl start

This command starts basic Apache Web Services.

The results were better. Instead of nothing found, a Web Server was working, but the particular web page associated with FileMaker was not present:

http://mywebsite.com/fmi/webd# = Error Not Found

After that, we tried a graceful restart again:

/usr/sbin/httpd -k graceful -D FILEMAKER -f /Library/FileMaker Server/HTTPServer/conf/httpd.conf
~ admin$

We did not receive an error code this time, which is good. Unfortunately, the FileMaker Web Server was still not working.

Finally, we ran this step again:

fmsadmin: really restart HTTPserver? (y, n)

This resulted in the FileMaker Server finally working. Great!

We would call it a miracle but it was really us tinkering with the system and making adjustments based on our findings. Nothing more than science. Either way, feel free to use our solution. It resolved our FileMaker Server problem and we hope it works for you as well.

FileMaker Server Specialists at FMDBSolutions

That was the step-by-step guide to enabling the Web Server on a FileMaker Server. We at FMDBSolutions know all about the FileMaker Server and have done an extensive amount of work related to FileMaker. You can contact us, the custom FileMaker app experts anytime.

If you ever run into a FileMaker problem that you can’t handle, we’re here to lend a helping hand. Choose us to execute your next project. Click on the below box for a free FileMaker consultation.

If you want to receive new updates on FileMaker and our company, please leave us your email below.

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