Filemaker Server 18 Requirements



The following information is meant to assist your organization's IT department or outsourced IT provider in setting up the necessary infrastructure to use inRESONANCE solutions.

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The requirements to run inRESONANCE solutions include the following:

  • Install and configure FileMaker Server.
  • Install FileMaker Pro clients.
  • Install plugins.
  • Configure network.

Understanding User Access Types

Where to note settings for FileMaker Server 10, 11, or 12 55 Step 3. Stop FileMaker Server 56 Step 4. Make a copy of databases, scripts, and plug-ins 56 FileMaker Server 10 files (default installation) 56 FileMaker Server 10 files (non-default installation) 56 FileMaker Server. Installing FileMaker Server on a single machine (Linux) This section describes how to install FileMaker Server from the Linux command line interface (CLI). FileMaker Server 19.1 for Linux is available only. To maintain an optimal operating environment, FileMaker Server requires 100 GB or more of available storage on the operating system drive even if apps are hosted on or backed up to another drive. The server administrator must monitor the operating system drive to make sure that enough storage is available.

  • FileMaker Server administrator: access to the operating system hosting the FileMaker Server; access the FileMaker Server Admin Console via a web browser.
  • Department staff and heads: access the inRESONANCE solutions via FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced.
  • Admissions folder readers: access PORTAL Direct via a web browser connecting to the FileMaker Server (applies only to organizations using PORTAL Direct, a module of PORTAL).
  • Teachers, Advisers, and Proofers: web based access from the internet to services hosted by inRESONANCE (applies only to organizations using TAM, a module of KEYSTONE); Custom grade reports may require FileMaker Pro acces.s
  • Non-staff users: access services hosted by inRESONANCE via a web browser (e.g. parents filling out an application, donors making a gift, teachers taking attendance etc., depending on the solutions purchased by your organization).

FileMaker Server

  • FileMaker Server is the hub of inRESONANCE solutions.
  • inRESONANCE will provide guidance where possible to assist clients with successful set up.
  • FileMaker, Inc., the maker of FileMaker Server, has excellent documentation and support regarding the setup, configuration, and maintenance of FileMaker Server.

FileMaker Server Requirements

  • FileMaker Server is compatible with Windows Server and MacOS.
  • The best source for comprehensive FileMaker Server documentation, including hardware and system requirements, is FileMaker, Inc.
  • System requirements: Meet or exceed FileMaker's 'Recommended' requirements, and 16+ GB RAM, when specifying hardware. For FileMaker 18, visit: https://support.filemaker.com/s/article/System-Requirements-for-FileMaker-Server-18

FileMaker Server Location

  • The FileMaker Server can be hosted within an organization's local area network, in an offsite location managed by the organization, or in an offsite location managed by a third party.
  • Onsite - It is recommended to host your own FileMaker Server onsite for optimal performance and maximum availability. Offsite or remote hosting will result in a slower inRESONANCE solution. If you have in house and/or contract IT support capable of setting up a Windows Server or macOS system, creating backups of it, and getting it networked on campus and as needed through the campus firewall, you have most of what it will take to host the server on campus.
  • Remote - Where onsite hosting is not a option for you, there are many remote hosting providers. These solutions vary from hosts that specialize in FileMaker, such as Point In Space, Triple8, and FMPHost, to more general remote hosting solutions such as Amazon Web Services. The best choice depends on your location, the location of the server, and what services you want them to provide. In all cases, it is recommended to fully test the remote hosting service before committing, please note in particular the networking requirements section below. Most hosting providers offer a free trial period.
  • FileMaker Inc. itself recently released a cloud hosting product. The FileMaker Cloud is very exciting, but it currently has limited feature set and does not yet meet the requirements to host inRESONANCE solutions. These requirements include third party plugin support and server side schedules. We are optimistic that this will become an option in the coming years.
Filemaker Server 18 Requirements

FileMaker Server Management

  • Setup, configuration, and maintenance: FileMaker Server 18 help: https://fmhelp.filemaker.com/help/18/fms/en/
  • FileMaker user accounts can be managed using external authentication (Active Directory or Open Directory) or local accounts. External authentication is preferred when both options are available.
  • Server Admin Console password - You will need to choose a password for FileMaker Server’s Admin Console. inRESONANCE does not store this password, but it will be requested from inRESONANCE trainers and support staff as part of setup and support functions.
  • Backups - Backing up live FileMaker files with conventional file copying backup systems will not result in usable copies of your inRESONANCE solutions. FileMaker Server provides tools to automatically create usable backups. By default, FileMaker Server includes hourly, daily, and weekly backup schedules which will safely create usable backups. However these are not activated until you switch them on. Please consult FileMaker documentation for details. The backups created by FileMaker Server will be placed in a default folder on the local server hard drive. You can change the location of the backup with the server settings, but be aware that backing up to a network-based location is not supported. If you need backups stored in a remote location on your network, you are advised to use an additional backup system to copy FileMaker backup files from the server.

FileMaker Pro

  • One of the ways users will interact with inRESONANCE solutions is using the FileMaker Pro client.
  • FileMaker Pro is compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems.
  • FileMaker Pro should be installed on all workstations that will be used to access inRESONANCE solutions.
  • We recommend using a wired network when possible. If you use a wireless network, ensure the signal in the areas where staff will be using inRESONANCE solutions is strong and has available bandwidth.
  • The best source for comprehensive FileMaker Pro documentation, including hardware and system requirements, is FileMaker Inc. Please meet or exceed FileMaker's 'Recommended' requirements when specifying hardware. For FileMaker 18, visit: https://support.claris.com/s/article/System-Requirements-for-FileMaker-Pro-18-Advanced?language=en_US

FileMaker Pro Advanced

Filemaker Pro 18 Server Requirements

  • FileMaker Pro Advanced is FileMaker Pro with some additional features that can be helpful for Database Administrators (DBA) and inRESONANCE support staff. Every organization should have at least one copy of FileMaker Pro Advanced installed. For ease of access for both the DBA and inRESONANCE support staff, this is usually installed on the same machine that is hosting the FileMaker Server.

WebDirect (for use with PORTAL Direct only)

Requirements

Filemaker Server Download

  • PORTAL Direct—a module of PORTAL—leverages FileMaker WebDirect technology to provide secure, browser-based access to PORTAL data.
  • In addition to the standard requirements for deploying FileMaker Server, WebDirect requires the following considerations.
  • The host computer (FileMaker Server) should have a dedicated static Internet Protocol (IP) address or a domain name.
  • The number of Maximum Connections must be equal to or greater than the number of concurrent users expected to be using the system at any given time. The number of maximum connections is found in the FileMaker Server Admin Console > General Settings > Connections tab.
  • The host computer’s address will need to be accessible from the WAN over ports 80 and 443 if users will be connecting from outside the school’s firewall.
  • When the number of FileMaker WebDirect simultaneous users is expected to regularly exceed 100 users, FileMaker requires the FileMaker Server be deployed using a two machine deployment as specified in the FileMaker Server 18 Installation and Configuration Guide: https://fmhelp.filemaker.com/docs/18/en/fmsinstall/
  • For the complete requirements for deploying WebDirect, refer to the FileMaker Server 18 Manual and the FileMaker Server 18 Technical Specifications https://support.claris.com/s/article/System-Requirements-for-FileMaker-Server-18?language=en_US#3

Plugins

  • inRESONANCE employs third-party plugins to provide some functionality.
  • Further information will be provided as required regarding specific plugins (if any) and where and how to install them.

Network requirements

Filemaker
  • FileMaker Pro clients require access to the FileMaker Server over the following ports: 80, 443, 5003, 16000.
  • FileMaker Pro clients and FileMaker Server both require outbound access to the following domains: inresonance.com, sendgrid.net.
  • Web based services: inRESONANCE manages web based servers to provide solution functionality accessible to the internet. Users accessing these services will access them through web browsers and require no special applications, plugins, or network access.
  • Bandwidth, latency, and the reliability of the network connection between FileMaker Pro clients and the school’s FileMaker Server all affect the user experience of inRESONANCE FileMaker solutions. It is recommended that network latency average under 25 – 50 ms, and average bandwidth per user of over 8 Mb/sec.
  • Core solution and PORTAL Direct users connecting from outside the local area network of the FileMaker Server will need secure remote access. Remote access is most commonly provided via VPN access or Remote Desktop Services.

inRESONANCE Remote Access

  • Providing remote access to inRESONANCE can significantly reduce the resolution time of a support requests.
  • Remote access is commonly provided through services such as Microsoft Remote Desktop, GoToAssist, TeamViewer, etc.
  • Providing remote access to inRESONANCE is optional.

SSL Encryption

  • FileMaker Server provides a standard SSL certificate signed by FileMaker, Inc. that does not verify the server name, and is intended only for test purposes. FileMaker Inc. recommends purchasing an SSL certificate at your organization for production use.
  • For information on FileMaker network security and SSL, including how to obtain and install an SSL certificate, visit: https://fmhelp.filemaker.com/docs/18/en/security/

SPF Record

Filemaker
  • An SPF record specifies who is able to send email on behalf of an organization. This helps prevent spam email while ensuring legitimate email is delivered.
  • inRESONANCE solutions include the functionality to send email on the behalf of your organization. Examples of this usage include the BROADCASTER module used for bulk emailing, and the ability of web services modules to send account related emails.
  • The administrator of your organization's domain name (usually your IT department or outsourced IT support) will need to edit the SPF record to include the following domain: sendgrid.net.
  • This is a sample record: Record type: TXT (or SPF); Record value: v=spf1 mx include:sendgrid.net ~all
  • The actual SPF record for your organization will be specified by your domain administrator. More information on how to create and edit an SPF record can be found here: https://sendgrid.com/docs/Glossary/spf.html.