created runtime version needs license?

[mantral]

Hi Guys,

 

If I make a runtime version of my database put it on a client machine. While my database in located in a filemaker server. Do I still need to install filemaker in a client machine accessing the database from the server?

 

I want to save money by getting away from buying 5 licenses and a server version of Filemaker pro 9. You know how expensive it is.

 

Since I have the advanced version I am wondering that if I create runtime versions it will run in a machine without installing the whole version of the software. And at the same time accessing the database from the FM server 9.

 

Any ideas on how to run 5 machines with out breaking the bank?

 

thanks

[AHunter3]

I can't parse your sentences very easily, but:

 

A Runtime solution is for single-user mode. Only. No multi-user capability. No being a guest of Server. No open-over-network. If that suits your needs, no you do not need to own any other software or have your users buy any other licenses.

 

If that does NOT suit your needs, you need FileMaker Pro (one license per seat) and if you have more than a few concurrent users you'll want FileMaker Server to host your db. OR (alternatively) you can have your guests open the db via the web, using Instant Web Publishing or Custom Web Publishing of one sort or another, and hosting the db with FileMaker Server (for a few connections) or FileMaker Server Advanced (for heavier deployment). For web deployment your guests use a standard web browser.

[mantral]

Hi A3hunter,

 

What I meant was 5 concurrent users (5 machines) all at the same time accessing the DB on the server.

 

As for the using the web browser I don't think it might work fine in a small office. Where the application is intense data entry and printing of mail outs.

 

I had the wrong understanding that the runtime could run multi user accessing a database in the FM server.

 

thanks

[AHunter3]

Hi A3hunter,

 

What I meant was 5 concurrent users (5 machines) all at the same time accessing the DB on the server.

 

Forget runtime then.

 

As for the using the web browser I don't think it might work fine in a small office. Where the application is intense data entry and printing of mail outs.

 

Better off with FmServer and 1 copy FmPro on each workstation, if you can swing that.

 

I had the wrong understanding that the runtime could run multi user accessing a database in the FM server.

 

thanks

 

Sorry, not unless you're into retro-computing and want to run FileMaker 3 era solutions. That was the last to allow runtimes to open served files. It was destroying FmPro Inc's profit margin so they nuked that.

[mantral]

Hi Ahunter3,

 

Understood... and thats about $999 for the server and $299 for each workstation. OUCH!

 

Expensive piece of software.

[touchMe]

with only 5 users... why do you need FM Server?

[mantral]

Hi,

 

Why??? can I run 5 users with a regular FM Pro edition?

 

I was thinking about the regular scheduled backup capabilities of the server too. Although I have only 5 users the data is important and needs to be backed up.

 

Isn't 5 users pushing the limit on the FM Pro edition?

 

thanks

[AHunter3]

Not per se it's not, (at least not if your solution is one file; if it's a 50-file solution, yeah that's a problem); but you did say "intense data entry".

 

If cost is an issue you can try 6 seats of regular FileMaker Pro, using one on a dedicated machine as a Host copy that everyone else is a guest of. It will not be as robust as FmServer though and you're right, backups will have to be done manually by getting everyone else to exit out, exit out of FmPro on the host box, then manually copy the files to a backup location then reopen the files.

[touchMe]

FMP bundle, 4 for the price of 5 (plus your original FMP9 'acting' as server)

 

server is 'usually' deployed for 10/11+ users, although as our friend in NYC says if there are a whole bunch of files performing multiple, complex calculations with this, that, and the other going on...

 

what does your solution do?

[mantral]

Hi,

 

Just the ordinary database for patient's info and billing for charges occurred after doctor's visits.

 

Very simple a note field regarding the particular person. Fname, lname, address and other pertinent data for patients in a medical environment.

[David Head]

...server is 'usually' deployed for 10/11+ users...

That is incorrect - I would say that FileMaker Server is 'usually' required when the number of concurrent users reaches about four.

 

So it could cost $1200 for the 5-pack and $1000 for the server - $2200 in total. So how much is this data worth to you? How much did it cost to develop the database? I would look at it as say $42 per week over a year or just $21 a week over two years. Small change really. smiley-laughing

[mantral]

Hello

 

I guess you are right... HunterA3. You gotta spend if you need something done.

 

BTW is that really you in the picture. Looks like a rockstar. smiley-laughing smiley-laughing

 

thanks

 

Guys

[AHunter3]

It's certainly not me, since that wasn't my post. You'll have to ask David Head but I'm under the impression that that head is a David head but not a David Head head.

[David Head]

I must confess - it is not a David's head - rather it is an Andy Warhol's head. And he was a rock star. In real life I am much more ordinary. If you want to see the real me, check out the Devcon speaker bios for 2008. smiley-smile

[mantral]

Hi Guys

 

Sorry HunterA3 for some reason I got confused and had you mixed up with David Head.

 

I always see two in the different threads that I mistook one for the other. My bad...

 

But isn't that hilarious... me and my block head. Maybe I am starting to get Alzheimer's with old age.

 

thanks

[AHunter3]

I thought it was David Bowie, hence the "David head but not a David Head head".