Claris FileMaker Server, often referred to as “on prem server” is the software that hosts FileMaker custom apps and makes them available to multiple users.
A FileMaker application can be opened locally with FileMaker Pro, but a local file is suitable primarily for individual use. When several people need to work with the same application and the same live data, the file should be hosted on FileMaker Server.
FileMaker Server opens the databases, manages connections, protects concurrent access to records, runs automated processes, creates backups, and provides the services required by FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, FileMaker WebDirect, and external integrations.
FileMaker Pro vs. FileMaker Server
FileMaker Pro is the desktop application used to create, modify, and operate FileMaker custom apps.
FileMaker Server is the server software used to share those applications.
In simplified terms:
- FileMaker Pro creates and uses custom apps;
- FileMaker Server hosts and shares them.
FileMaker Server does not replace FileMaker Pro. Developers still use FileMaker Pro to create tables, layouts, scripts, calculations, and security rules. They then upload the resulting application to FileMaker Server.
Why Is FileMaker Server Necessary?
Without a server, teams may be tempted to exchange copies of a FileMaker file through email, shared folders, or cloud-storage services.
This creates several independent versions of the data. Changes made by one user cannot be safely merged with changes made by another, and synchronizing the files quickly becomes impossible.
FileMaker Server provides one authoritative version of the application and its data. Every authorized user connects to the same hosted file and sees changes made by colleagues according to the application’s security rules.
The server also manages record locking to prevent two users from overwriting the same information simultaneously.
Also, FileMaker Server manages backups, and can run scripts (automations) on a regular schedule.
Who Can Connect to FileMaker Server?
A custom app hosted on FileMaker Server can be accessed through several clients and technologies:
- FileMaker Pro on macOS and Windows;
- FileMaker Go on iPhone and iPad;
- FileMaker WebDirect in a compatible web browser;
- the FileMaker Data API;
- the FileMaker OData API;
- Custom Web Publishing;
- ODBC and JDBC clients;
- external applications and integration services.
All these clients can work with the same hosted data while FileMaker Server applies the accounts and privilege sets defined inside the custom app.
Backups
Backups are one of FileMaker Server’s most important responsibilities.
FileMaker Server can create automatic, scheduled, on-demand, and progressive backups while databases are hosted. Users can generally continue working while the backup is prepared.
A professional backup strategy should include:
- frequent local backups;
- several retention periods;
- off-site copies;
- encryption;
- regular verification;
- a documented recovery procedure.
A backup stored only on the same server is insufficient. Hardware failure, ransomware, accidental deletion, or a data-centre incident could affect both the production files and their local backups.
fmcloud.fm therefore combines hourly, daily, and weekly backups with encrypted off-site copies.
Server-Side Scripts
FileMaker Server can run FileMaker scripts without requiring FileMaker Pro to remain open on a user’s computer.
These scripts may be launched:
- according to a schedule;
- through Perform Script on Server;
- from an API request;
- as part of an automated business process.
Server-side scripts can generate reports, process transactions, import or export information, communicate with APIs, archive records, or perform maintenance tasks.
Running suitable processes on the server can also improve performance by moving the work closer to the hosted data.
Web Publishing and APIs
FileMaker Server includes several gateways for making custom apps and their data available beyond FileMaker Pro.
FileMaker WebDirect converts FileMaker layouts into an interactive browser experience. OData and the Data API allow external applications to access hosted data through REST interfaces. Custom Web Publishing supports purpose-built websites, while ODBC and JDBC provide SQL-based connectivity.
These interfaces make FileMaker Server an application and integration platform rather than merely a file-sharing service.
Administering FileMaker Server
FileMaker Server includes a web-based Admin Console for monitoring and configuring the deployment.
Administrators can use it to:
- open and close databases;
- view connected clients;
- disconnect users;
- create and monitor backups;
- manage schedules;
- inspect logs;
- enable connectors;
- configure authentication;
- monitor server activity.
Administration can also be automated through the FileMaker Server Admin API or performed locally with the FileMaker Server Command-Line Interface.
Security
FileMaker Server encrypts network connections using TLS and supports Encryption at Rest for protecting database files stored on disk.
It can work with FileMaker accounts and supported external identity providers. However, the security of a hosted application also depends on how its accounts, privilege sets, layouts, scripts, and APIs have been configured.
Hosting a poorly secured file on a secure server does not automatically make the application secure. Infrastructure security and application security must be addressed together.
Where Does FileMaker Server Run?
FileMaker Server can be installed on supported versions of:
- Linux;
- Windows Server;
- macOS.
An organization can operate its own server, deploy it through an infrastructure provider, or use a specialist managed FileMaker hosting service.
Self-hosting provides direct control but also makes the organization responsible for installation, operating-system maintenance, FileMaker Server updates, SSL certificates, monitoring, backups, security, performance, and incident response.
FileMaker Server Hosting with fmcloud.fm
fmcloud.fm provides managed FileMaker Server hosting in data centres around the world.
Our platform takes responsibility for the infrastructure surrounding FileMaker Server, including:
- rapid server deployment;
- SSL certificates;
- monitoring;
- FileMaker Server updates;
- local and encrypted off-site backups;
- access to Admin Console and supported gateways;
- worldwide data-centre choices;
- technical support from FileMaker specialists.
Customers retain control of their FileMaker applications, accounts, and data while fmcloud.fm manages the server environment.
A free 15-day trial allows organizations to test their own custom apps on a genuine FileMaker Server without providing credit-card information.
Conclusion
FileMaker Server is the central service that transforms a local FileMaker file into a secure, shared, multi-user application.
It hosts custom apps, coordinates simultaneous users, runs scripts, creates backups, publishes applications on the web, and provides data to external systems through APIs and other connectors.
For organizations that depend on FileMaker, the quality of the server environment directly affects availability, security, and performance. fmcloud.fm combines FileMaker Server with managed infrastructure and specialist expertise so customers can focus on their applications rather than operating the underlying server.
