Installation under Linux

FileMaker Server has provided support for Linux since version 19.1.2, bringing a new level of flexibility and cost-efficiency to server environments. This guide describes in detail the steps for installing FileMaker Server on Linux and the appropriate Linux derivatives for this installation.

Suitable Linux derivatives

FileMaker Server is officially certified for the following Linux derivatives:

1. CentOS 7.x
2. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 7.x
3. Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (as of FileMaker Server 19.3.1 also Ubuntu 20.04 LTS)

It is important to use one of the above distributions to ensure a smooth installation and full support.

Prerequisites

Before you start the installation, make sure that your system meets the following requirements:

• Hardware:
  • ProcessorAt least a 4-core processor (64-bit).
  • Working memoryAt least 8 GB RAM, 16 GB or more is recommended.
  • Hard disk storageAt least 80 GB of free disk space, 500 GB is recommended, depending on the size of the databases.
• NetworkA stable Internet connection is required, especially for licensing and access to the Admin Console.
• Administrator rightsRoot access is required to perform the installation and configuration.

1. preparation of the Linux system

1. System update:
   • Make sure that your system is up to date by executing the following command:
     bash

     sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade # for Ubuntu sudo yum update # for CentOS/RHEL
2. Install the necessary packages:
   • Install the required packages needed to run FileMaker Server:
     bash

     sudo apt-get install libx11-xcb1 libnss3 libxcomposite1 libasound2 libxtst6 libxrandr2 libcups2 # for Ubuntu sudo yum install nss libXcomposite libXrandr libXtst alsa-lib cups-libs # for CentOS/RHEL
3. Configure firewall:
   • Open the required ports in the firewall:
     bash

     sudo ufw allow 80/tcp # HTTP sudo ufw allow 443/tcp # HTTPS sudo ufw allow 5003/tcp # FileMaker Pro Clients sudo ufw allow 16000/tcp # Admin Console
   • For firewalld (CentOS/RHEL):
     bash

     sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=80/tcp sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=443/tcp sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=5003/tcp sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=16000/tcp sudo firewall-cmd --reload

2. installation of FileMaker Server on Linux

1. Download the installation files:
   • Download the installation packages for Linux from the FileMaker website. The file should usually contain a .deb-package for Ubuntu or a .rpm-package for CentOS/RHEL.
2. Installing the FileMaker Server package:
   • Ubuntu:
     bash

     sudo dpkg -i filemaker-server_19.3.1-ubuntu_amd64.deb sudo apt-get install -f
   • CentOS/RHEL:
     bash

     sudo yum install filemaker-server-19.3.1-1.x86_64.rpm
3. Initial configuration:
   • After installation, the first configuration must be carried out. Start the configuration file:
     bash

     sudo /opt/FileMaker/FileMaker\ Server/fmsadmin setup --start-console
   • You will be guided through the configuration process, including setting the administrator password, license key and SSL configuration.
4. Start service:
   • Start the FileMaker Server service:
     bash

     sudo systemctl start fmshelper sudo systemctl start fmsadmin
5. Check status:
   • Check the status of the FileMaker Server service to make sure everything is working correctly:
     bash

     sudo systemctl status fmsadmin

3. access to the Admin Console

1. Call up Admin Console:
   • Open a web browser and enter https://:16000 to call up the Admin Console.
2. Registration:
   • Log in with the administration data that you specified during configuration.
3. Set up SSL certificate:
   • You should configure an SSL certificate for a secure connection. This can be done via the Admin Console.

4. important reworking and tips

1. Automatic updates and security patches:
   • Make sure that your Linux server is updated regularly to avoid security vulnerabilities:
     bash

     sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade # for Ubuntu sudo yum update # for CentOS/RHEL
2. Set up backup strategies:
   • Set up automated backups in the Admin Console to back up your data regularly.
3. Monitor performance:
   • Use tools such as top, htopor the logging functions of the Admin Console to monitor system performance.
4. Troubleshooting and logs:
   • Monitor the FileMaker Server logs to be able to react to problems at an early stage:
     bash

     tail -f /opt/FileMaker/FileMaker\ Server/Logs/fmsadmin.log

Summary

Installing FileMaker Server on Linux is a robust and powerful way to run your databases in a stable and cost-effective environment. With careful preparation and configuration, you can ensure that your server runs securely and efficiently. Choosing the right Linux derivative and understanding the specific requirements are critical to the success of this installation.