5.3 Deployment and hosting of FileMaker solutions
Deploying and hosting FileMaker solutions is a critical step in making your database application accessible to users. Whether you're deploying a small application for an internal team or a large solution for many users, choosing the right hosting option and regular maintenance are critical to the performance and security of your database. In this chapter, you'll learn how to set up FileMaker Server, what hosting options are available to you, and how to effectively maintain and update your FileMaker databases.
Table of contents
- 5.3 Deployment and hosting of FileMaker solutions
- Introduction to FileMaker Server
- Instructions for FileMaker Server
- Hosting options: On-premise vs. cloud
- gFM-Business Open Source FileMaker Basis ERP The software for a crash course
- Maintenance and updating of FileMaker databases
- Scalable FileMaker ERP software on four platforms
- Security management
- Summary
Introduction to FileMaker Server
What is FileMaker Server?
FileMaker Server is powerful software specifically designed to centrally host and manage FileMaker databases. With FileMaker Server, you can share databases with multiple users, perform automated tasks and increase the security of your database solution. The software provides tools for managing user access, performing regular backups and monitoring server performance.
Important features of FileMaker Server
- Centralized database hostingFileMaker Server makes it possible to host one or more FileMaker databases centrally so that users can access them via the network or the Internet. This improves collaboration and ensures that all users always have access to the latest data.
- Automated backupsOne of the most important features of FileMaker Server is the ability to create regular, automated backups. These backups can be saved locally or on external storage media and offer protection against data loss.
- Performance monitoring and reportingFileMaker Server provides comprehensive tools for monitoring server performance, including CPU and memory usage, database activity and network bandwidth. This information helps administrators optimize server performance and identify bottlenecks.
- Security functionsFileMaker Server supports advanced security features such as SSL encryption for data transfer, server-side encryption of databases and user privilege management. These features help protect your database from unauthorized access and data loss.
Setting up FileMaker Server
- Check system requirementsBefore you install FileMaker Server, make sure that your server meets the system requirements. These include the operating system, available hardware (CPU, RAM, disk space) and network configurations.
- Installation and configurationDownload the installation files from the official FileMaker website and follow the instructions to install FileMaker Server. During installation, you will be prompted to specify basic settings such as the admin user name and password.
- Upload and share databasesAfter installation, you can upload your FileMaker databases to the server and share them with users. This is done via the FileMaker Server Admin Console, a web-based interface that gives you access to all administration functions.
- Security configurationAfter uploading your databases, you should configure the security options. This includes activating SSL for encrypted connections, configuring user access and setting backup schedules.
Instructions for FileMaker Server
Hosting options: On-premise vs. cloud
On-premise hosting
With on-premise hosting, you operate your FileMaker Server on your own hardware in your company. This option offers full control over the server environment and can be particularly useful if you have special security requirements or do not want to be dependent on external providers.
Advantages of on-premise hosting:
- Full controlYou have complete control over the hardware, the network configuration and the security of the server. This is particularly important if you have special requirements that cannot be met by cloud providers.
- In-house securityAll data remains within your corporate network, which can be an advantage for organizations with strict data protection regulations or special security requirements.
- Flexibility in configurationYou can configure the server according to your specific requirements, e.g. implement special backup solutions or network security protocols.
Disadvantages of on-premise hosting:
- High acquisition and maintenance costsBuying and maintaining server hardware can be expensive. In addition, you need qualified IT staff to manage and update the server environment.
- Limited scalabilityAs your business grows and requires more users or larger amounts of data, it can be difficult and costly to scale your server infrastructure accordingly.
- Increased responsibilityYou will be responsible for all aspects of server operation, including security, regular maintenance and disaster recovery.
Cloud hosting
With cloud hosting, you rent server resources from an external provider who hosts and manages your FileMaker databases. This option offers high scalability, lower initial costs and the option of outsourcing server operation to experts.
Advantages of cloud hosting:
- High scalabilityCloud hosting allows you to scale server resources as needed. As your business grows, you can simply add more resources without having to worry about hardware.
- Lower initial investmentBecause you don't have to buy or maintain your own hardware, the initial costs for cloud hosting are usually lower. You only pay for the resources you actually use.
- Less administrative workCloud hosting providers take over many of the administrative tasks, including maintenance, updates and security management, freeing up your IT team.
Disadvantages of cloud hosting:
- Less controlBecause the infrastructure is managed by an external provider, you have less control over the specific configurations and security measures of the server.
- Dependence on third partiesYou are dependent on the availability and security of the cloud provider. Outages or security breaches at the provider can have a direct impact on your database.
- Data protection concernsDepending on the industry and legal requirements, there may be concerns about data protection when sensitive data is stored in the cloud.
Decision support: on-premise vs. cloud
The decision between on-premise and cloud hosting depends on your company's specific requirements. If you want maximum control and security, on-premise hosting may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer flexibility, scalability and lower initial costs, cloud hosting may be the better option.
gFM-Business Open Source FileMaker Basis-ERP
The software for the crash course
Download for free
Maintenance and updating of FileMaker databases
Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance of your FileMaker databases is critical to maintain performance and security. This includes creating backups, monitoring server performance and regularly updating the databases.
- Set up automated backupsOne of the most important maintenance tasks is setting up regular backups. FileMaker Server provides the ability to set up automated backups that can be performed daily, weekly or monthly. These backups should be stored in a secure location, preferably on an external medium or in the cloud.
- Performance monitoringMonitor server performance regularly to ensure that your database is working efficiently. This includes monitoring CPU and memory usage, network activity and database connections. If bottlenecks occur, you should adjust the server configuration or provide additional resources.
- Repair and optimizationPerform regular maintenance tasks such as repairing and compressing the databases. This helps to ensure data integrity and optimize performance.
Updating the FileMaker software
- Regular updatesKeep your FileMaker software up to date by installing updates regularly. These updates often contain important security enhancements and new features that improve the performance and security of your database.
- Upgrade to new versionsIn addition to regular updates, you should also check whether it makes sense to upgrade to a new version of FileMaker Server or FileMaker Pro. New versions often offer enhanced functions and better performance.
- Testing before the updateBefore you perform an update or upgrade on a production environment, you should install it on a test environment. This way you can ensure that no unexpected problems occur that could disrupt the operation of your database.
Scalable FileMaker ERP software on four platforms
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Security management
Security management is an essential part of FileMaker database maintenance and administration. It ensures that your data is protected from unauthorized access and that the integrity and availability of the database is guaranteed at all times. Here are the most important aspects of security management that you should consider:
Renewing SSL certificates
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is crucial for the encryption of data transmission between FileMaker Server and the clients. An expired SSL certificate represents a security risk, as the encrypted connection between the server and the users could be compromised.
- Renewal of SSL certificatesEnsure that your SSL certificates are renewed regularly before they expire. This can be done via the FileMaker Server Admin Console, where you can upload and activate the new certificate.
- Use of trusted certificatesUse SSL certificates that have been issued by a trustworthy certification authority. Self-signed certificates should only be used in exceptional cases and not in production environments.
Check user rights regularly
Regularly check the user rights and roles in your FileMaker database. Make sure that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and that users are only assigned the minimum necessary rights.
- User administrationAdjust user rights if an employee's tasks change or they leave the company. Remove user accounts that are no longer required promptly to prevent unauthorized access.
- Use of rollersUse role-based access controls to ensure that users only have access to the functions and data required for their role. This minimizes the risk of unintentional or malicious changes.
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security for accessing your FileMaker database. 2FA requires a second authentication factor in addition to the password, such as a one-time code sent to the user's mobile device.
- Introduction of 2FAIf your security requirements are high, you should consider implementing 2FA for access to your database. This can significantly reduce the risk of password theft or misuse.
- Integration with existing authentication systemsFileMaker Server can be integrated with various authentication systems that support 2FA to ensure a seamless user experience.
Security updates and patches
Keep FileMaker Server and all related components up to date. Security updates and patches close known vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited to access or corrupt your database.
- Regular updatesSchedule regular maintenance windows to install security updates and patches. These updates should be applied as soon as possible after their release to minimize security risks.
- Testing before implementationTest all updates and patches in a test environment before applying them in your production environment to ensure that they do not cause any unexpected problems.
Monitoring and logging
Continuously monitor activity in your FileMaker database and keep detailed logs of all user actions. These logs are helpful for detecting suspicious behavior and investigating security incidents.
- Activity loggingActivate the logging of user actions and access to the database. This includes logging in, creating and editing data records and executing scripts.
- Analysis of the protocolsUse log analysis tools to identify unusual activity, such as an unusually high number of failed login attempts or unexpected changes to important data.
Summary
Deploying and hosting FileMaker solutions requires careful planning and regular maintenance to ensure the security, performance and availability of your database applications. By using FileMaker Server, you can host and manage your databases centrally, while choosing the right hosting options (on-premise or cloud) to ensure your specific requirements are met. Regular maintenance, security management and the continuous review of user rights and server settings help to ensure that your FileMaker databases remain secure and reliable. With these deployment and hosting basics, you are well equipped to run your FileMaker solutions securely and efficiently, regardless of the size or complexity of your database application.
