Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 20. Sharing Data with
WebDirect and FileMaker Go
As you learned in
Chapter 19
,
FileMaker Network Sharing is the easiest way to share your
database. Folks simply open the file and use it much like a file stored on their local hard
drive. They just need a copy of FileMaker Pro on whatever computer they're using to con-
nect. But with the rise of mobile devices, many people with jobs that require them to move
around all day, like warehouse workers or field installers, need to access the company data-
base on their phone or tablet. There's no computer—or copy of FileMaker Pro—in sight.
Fortunately, you have lots of ways to share your database with people on the move. Your
choices break down into two basic categories:
▪
FileMaker Go
uses a free app, available in the Apple App Store. There are versions for
iPhone and iPad. FileMaker Go users require licensed connections.
▪
Internet sharing
shares your database through a browser. There are three flavors of In-
ternet sharing:
— —
FileMaker WebDirect
uses FileMaker Server to publish layouts, and their data,
on the Web. Database users need no additional software, but the same licensing fees for
FileMaker Go apply.
— —
Custom Web Publishing
lets you write all the code needed to connect users to
your database through a browser.
— —
Static Publishing
also uses a web browser, but your users aren't connected to a
live database. They see the database information in the form of HTML pages. As the
name suggests, this type of sharing is good for information that doesn't change fre-
quently.
You can even mix and match the methods to fit the tasks your various users are doing. For
instance, you might have sales people on a showroom floor using a full-color, feature-rich
catalog on an iPad. But the installers in the field might have a mix of iPhones and Android
phones, so they'll use a web browser to connect to the database to clock in at a property and
select their materials for a job.
In this chapter, you'll learn how to decide which method is the best one for your users, how
to set up and use the method you've chosen, and some design considerations you should
keep in mind.
