Advice Please:22 PCs to LEGALLY use FileMaker
Mark L
database (simple, but it will have approx. 400,000 records) for an office of
22 networked PCs - what is the cheapest - LEGAL way for all the users to use
it?
Do I need to buy a developer's copy and create an *.exe file?
What does the server edition do for me?
So far I have only ordered 1 copy of FileMaker Pro 4.1, so they can legally
develop the app.
Thanks in advance for you input,
Mark
reMar...@bigfoot.com
Yeti
Here's a thought. You could set up one pc to be the server, develop
the app, and enable Web Companion. Develop an Intranet interface,
so that other users use the database just like any other web page,
but across the network.
If the CDML tags don't seem to be enough, be sure to check out Lasso
form Blueworld. http://www.blueworld.com/ They make a plugin
for IIS, Personal Web Server, and now Netscape servers. Their
plugin add a lot more functionality to Filemaker's Web Companion.
Just a Thought, hope it helps.
Slipperdad
Hi Mark!
Ask some fmp developers (FSA is a good place) to develop a
3.0 runtime for you. 3.0 runtimes can network, 4.0 runtimes cannot.
Runtimes are "royalty free" so you do not need to worry about
licenses. And FMP 4.0 files are mostly compatible with 3.0 files.
You'll only need server if you need high performance...
-Dave
Mark L wrote in message <7aal7o$sll$1...@remarQ.com>...
Mark L
Can I make 22 Developer Kit *4.0* runtime copies of my app that would use a
central database on the server? or would I need a 3.0 developer kit version
to develop this? (I guess my question is - if I buy the 4.0 developer's kit
what are my limitations in terms of networking?) Also, pardon my ignorance -
but what does
FSA stand for?
Thanks again,
Mark
Slipperdad wrote in message <7ad0jg$qps$1...@news.apple.com>...
Jim Main
You CANNOT make 22 runtime copies of your app that use a central db with
Developer's kit 4.0, unless each machine also has a full licensed copy of FM
4.0, which defeats your purpose. The Developer's kit 3.0 WILL let you network
standalone copies.
I would recommend you getting used copies of FM 3.0, unless you need plug-in
features (try Ebay, I've seen 20+ copies there of various versions -- DONT get
FM 2 or earlier).
You can even have one client using FM 4.0 with a specific plug-in (say
Protolight's Ranges Toolbox Plug-In for use on an accounting machine), and
everyone else running FM 3.0, all accessing the same files. Works fine.
HTH, Jim
mainso...@consultant.com
Damian Brennan
a server. Develop the database, have it run on the server and enable TCP/IP
as your network protocol. Make sure the server has a static IP and have
everyone use the database using a web browser over your intranet. You can't
get much cheaper than that.
Keep in mind that the applications created through the developer edition are
not networkable without Filemaker running.
Damian Brennan
----------
In article <7aal7o$sll$1...@remarQ.com>, "Mark L" <reMar...@bigfoot.com>
wrote:
Mark L
I trying to weigh how difficult it would be for me to create a web solution
from the simple database, if I have never done it before (if you or anyone
else has thoughts on this let me know. I only have a rudimentary knowledge
of HTML.) - on the other avenue, I will also check out Ebay for a 3.0
Developer Kit.
While I'm on the topic - 31/2 related questions:
1) Any guesses as to why FileMaker pulled the ability of Version 4.0 of the
Developer's kit to make networkable solutions?
2) And the next question is: How does the blurb on FileMaker's web site
state that "...FileMaker Pro 4.0 Developer Edition makes it much easier for
the FileMaker Pro developer community to build enterprise FileMaker Pro
solutions tailored to meet the needs of specific corporate workgroups. Using
FileMaker Pro Developer Edition, developers can easily turn user requests
into solid business solutions."
3) What are they talking about if you can't network your data? 3 1/2) Just
internet/intranet solutions?
Thanks in Advance, once again,
Mark
Jim Main wrote in message <36CAC6F9...@consultant.com>...
Lynn Allen
> 1) Any guesses as to why FileMaker pulled the ability of Version 4.0 of the
> Developer's kit to make networkable solutions?
Yes. People who bought one copy of the 3.0 SDK and deployed them to
dozens or hundreds of seats within their organization. This was
specifically excluded from the licensing agreement, but people did it
anyway, and FM couldn't sustain the loss of sales. The SDK license was
intended to distribute copies of shrink-wrapped solutions to the world
at large by independent developers, NOT to replace the need for paying
for seats in an enterprise situation. No other software allows you to
create as many copies as you want at a single site...FM made the mistake
of putting their trust in people's compliance with the licensing.
> 2) And the next question is: How does the blurb on FileMaker's web site
> state that "...FileMaker Pro 4.0 Developer Edition makes it much easier for
> the FileMaker Pro developer community to build enterprise FileMaker Pro
> solutions tailored to meet the needs of specific corporate workgroups. Using
> FileMaker Pro Developer Edition, developers can easily turn user requests
> into solid business solutions."
ODBC connectivity (soon to be 2 way, hopefully), Inter and intranet
deployment, the ability to write custom plugins to gain new
functionality...
>
> 3) What are they talking about if you can't network your data? 3 1/2) Just
> internet/intranet solutions?
Time marches on. Trust me when I say the developer community gave FM an
earful about the change to no-net. They are addressing those concerns as
we type...The ability to network is VERY important, but it's not the
only important feature. If FM won't do what you want, use another tool.
Just don't look for one that can do it easier or cheaper, because it
doesn't exist. Compiled programs can be distributed ad infinitum...but
the cost of development on ALL of those is much higher than FM. Balance
that out against the need to purchase FM x 22.
If you do the research and come up with a tool that does what FM does,
in the same short development cycle, for LESS than the cost of a full FM
program per seat, let us all know. We'd love to hear about it.
--
Lynn Allen ly...@semiotics.com
Allen & Allen Semiotics Web & Graphic Design
Long Beach CA USA Filemaker Pro Consulting - Member CSA
562.938.7890 fax 562.938.7891 Custom Solutions & Training
Simon Slavin
"Mark L" <reMar...@bigfoot.com> wrote:
> I am assisting a non-profit organization develop a simple centralized
> database (simple, but it will have approx. 400,000 records) for an office of
> 22 networked PCs - what is the cheapest - LEGAL way for all the users to use
> it?
>
> Do I need to buy a developer's copy and create an *.exe file?
No. You can't do any networking with the Developer thing.
> What does the server edition do for me?
It may speed up your final product but you can start without it and
buy it after people have started using FMP without it. Either way,
if you expect to have, say, fifteen users in FMP for most of the day
then I'd suggest that you set up one of your machines as a server
and hide it under a desk or something.
> So far I have only ordered 1 copy of FileMaker Pro 4.1, so they can legally
> develop the app.
Good.
Contact a dealer which will sell you the bulk license copies.
FileMaker has a large number of multi-copy licensing deals and
several big dealers handle them. If there're no 20-copy deals
you're probably best-off getting a 25-copy deal. It'll work out
significantly cheaper than buying individual copies but you don't
get so many manuals.
If you don't want to do that, develop for WebCompanion and do all
your database access through your favourite web browser. Then you
don't need to buy 22 copies of anything.
Simon.
--
No junk email please. <http://www.hearsay.demon.co.uk>
----------------------------------------------------------
'Evil Bastard' is a value judgment. 'Trickster' is a job description.
-- Dorothy J Heydt
Jeff Gagne
<slavins.at.hearsay.demon.co.uk@localhost> wrote:
> Contact a dealer which will sell you the bulk license copies.
> FileMaker has a large number of multi-copy licensing deals and
> several big dealers handle them. If there're no 20-copy deals
> you're probably best-off getting a 25-copy deal. It'll work out
> significantly cheaper than buying individual copies but you don't
> get so many manuals.
FileMaker volume license starts at 10 copies. You can purchase direct
from FileMaker or from an authorized reseller such as MicroWarehouse.
Jeff
Simon Slavin
"Mark L" <reMar...@bigfoot.com> wrote:
> I trying to weigh how difficult it would be for me to create a web solution
> from the simple database, if I have never done it before (if you or anyone
> else has thoughts on this let me know. I only have a rudimentary knowledge
> of HTML.)
Then you should definitely buy FileMaker Home Page (or FMP Developer
Edition which includes Home Page).
> While I'm on the topic - 31/2 related questions:
>
> 1) Any guesses as to why FileMaker pulled the ability of Version 4.0 of the
> Developer's kit to make networkable solutions?
Because a company of 2000 users could develop an FMP solution and
install it on all their computers fo just the price of a single
copy of the Developer Edition.
> 2) And the next question is: How does the blurb on FileMaker's web site
> state that "...FileMaker Pro 4.0 Developer Edition makes it much easier for
> the FileMaker Pro developer community to build enterprise FileMaker Pro
> solutions tailored to meet the needs of specific corporate workgroups. Using
> FileMaker Pro Developer Edition, developers can easily turn user requests
> into solid business solutions."
That's not a question !
> 3) What are they talking about if you can't network your data? 3 1/2) Just
> internet/intranet solutions?
No. No networking at all. Only on person can access each database
at any time.
ATMSteve
In article <7ahk65$iv2$2...@news-1.news.gte.net>, ly...@semiotics.com (Lynn Allen)
writes:
>No other software allows you to
>create as many copies as you want at a single site
Not true, actually - most development-oriented tools, including Foxpro, allow
unlimited distribution of compiled applications.
Steve Andrews
Andrews Technologies Management
Lynn Allen
> In article <7ahk65$iv2$2...@news-1.news.gte.net>, ly...@semiotics.com (Lynn Allen)
> writes:
>
> >No other software allows you to
> >create as many copies as you want at a single site
>
> Not true, actually - most development-oriented tools, including Foxpro, allow
> unlimited distribution of compiled applications.
>
You are correct. I should have said "no non-compiled software..."
The real issue here is why Filemaker decided to remove networking from
the 4.0 rev of their runtime engine. Massive licensing violations was
the primary motivation, in my view.
Other compiled development tools do indeed allow unlimited distribution
in any environment, including within an enterprise. However, FM
licensing was not structured to allow this...we can debate their
business model all we want to, but it's not our call, and it's also
water under the bridge. They felt that they were losing too many seat
sales within enterprises to the power of the 3.0 SDK, and made the
decision to recover those sales by removing the networking. It caused a
huge fooforaw in the developer's community, especially among those
dedicated to producing shrinkwrapped solutions, to the extent of causing
some of them to move to different development tools for their products.
I can't say I think it was a good idea myself, even though my focus is
custom solutions.
All that said, FM is moving on, with a new business focus and new revs
of their standard, server and developer's products coming out soonish
(and no, I don't know exact dates). By this time next year we'll all
have other issues to natter on about. ;)