HostFileMaker - VPS Hosting

HostFileMaker VPS systems utilise Microsoft's Hyper-V virtualisation software to provide a truly professional hosting system for your FileMaker databases.

There are currently two VPS packages available from HostFileMaker - Standard and Advanced.

Virtual Private Server

A fully secure server that operates on the same physical hardware as a limited number of other virtual servers - All the benefits of a stand alone physical server without the higher costs.

Full copy of FileMaker Server 10 or Server 10 Advanced

A fully licensed copy of FileMaker Server 10 or Server 10 Advanced - Ready to operate database server without all the upfront cost of the full licence.

FileMaker Admin Console

FileMaker Server 10 Admin Console to manage and control your databases yourself - Total control of your database serving environment.

Data Transfer per month

Unlimited data transfer at 10Mbps bandwidth - Plenty of data transfer for the average HostFileMaker VPS hosting user.

Diskspace

20GB available for the operating system and system files, your FileMaker databases and web pages - Masses of disk space to suit many business needs.

Modern Servers

Regularly upgraded major brand hosting servers - Providing reliable high speed service.

Fully protected power supplies

External power from unique local power station plus world class UPS plus high power diesel generators - Extremely unlikely that our servers will fail due to power supply interruption. Much higher protection than the average office's power supply.

Full physical security

All servers protected by multi-layer physical security, fire detection and suppression, CCTV coverage and ISO computer security measures - Extremely small chance of servers being stolen, tampered with or damaged.

Full network security

High quality firewalls backed up by monitoring of suspicious port activities - Positive anti-hacking systems to thwart all but the most determined hackers.

Low risk hosting location

Hosting centre based outside major areas of risk in the UK - Less risk of catastrophe than London or other major city hosting centres.

Full database protection

Databases backed up 3 times a day, plus further backed up to external devices with off-site storage - Real peace of mind. Data there when you need it.

Full time monitoring

All servers, plus the network connections are constantly monitored. Positive double checking of connectivity from 6 global network monitoring stations - If there is a problem we will know about it and take steps to correct it.

24 hour emergency support

Phone and web based support systems - If you have a problem we will be there to provide assistance and information.

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Save £1000’s.

• No need to buy a server or FileMaker Server 10 or Server 10 Advanced.

No long term commitment.

• Hosting for as little as £109 per month with a one-off £50 Set Up fee (+VAT on both).

Hosting

• Up to 250 concurrent FileMaker Pro clients (999 with Server Advanced)
• 125 open database files
• 50 concurrent ODBC/JDBC connections (Advanced)
• 100 concurrent custom web publishing conections (Advanced) 
• Each database capable of holding 1000’s of tables
• All your FileMaker databases online today

No need to:

• Order a server
• Buy a FileMaker Server licence
• Configure the operating system
• Sort out backup

Now you can completely manage and make your FileMaker Professional 7, 8, 8.5 , 9 or 10 data available anywhere with internet access. The databases are accessed from one of our professionally specified Windows 2008 based Virtual Private Servers.

Through our high speed, resilient internet connections your data can be accessed by other FileMaker users, controlled by your security settings.

HostFileMaker VPS hosting offers you:

• Security
  • Total control of your FileMaker Server environment databases
  • Tight control of the visibility of your databases
  • SSL encryption of all data transfer
• Speed
  • Fast FileMaker Remote access over your broadband internet connection
  • No performance degradation from other users using your server’s resources
• Flexibility
  • Multiple FileMaker Pro databases
  • Ability to use your own FileMaker Server compatible plug-ins
  • Ability to run additional applications or services e.g. an email server
  • Cost savings
  • No need to invest in your own copy of FileMaker Server 10 or Server 10 Advanced

Order now and your databases can be up and running within one working day.

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Details

FileMaker 10 Server Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting

HostFileMaker VPS includes:

• Virtual Private Server – running Windows 2008 Server Standard Edition and a full copy of FileMaker Server 10 or Server 10 Advanced.
• Storage Space – 20 GB of disk space. Enough to hold the operating system and handle several million text based records, or 1000’s of image or other media based records.
• Data Bandwidth – Unlimited data transfer per month at 10Mbps, includes uploaded and downloaded data.
• FileMaker Server 10 Administration Tool (SAT) – allows you to manage your FileMaker Databases to:
  • View a list of your databases
  • Open and close your FileMaker databases
  • Set up back up schedules
  • Set up user parameters
• Daily Disaster Backups – last 7 days backups always available
• Support – Unlimited online support. With over a decade of hosting experience we know or can find the answer for you.

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FAQ’s

What is HostFileMaker VPS Hosting?

HostFileMaker Hosting is a service to share your FileMaker Pro 7, 8, 8.5, 9 or 10 databases via the internet. Users, who you authorise, have access your databases using FileMaker Pro software or a standard web browser (if you are using Server Advanced). We host on Windows 2008 based servers running Microsoft's Hyper-V virtualisation software and FileMaker Server 10 or FileMaker Server 10 Advanced.

 

Why HostFileMaker?

I only need to share my database locally i.e. in one office. Should I still consider using HostFileMaker Hosting?

We believe so because:

1. If you decide to host your database yourself FileMaker Pro will only let you share your database with 5 other users of FileMaker Pro.
2. Instant Web Publishing is also limited to 5 connections.
3. The computer used to host the database might be used for other activities thereby creating performance issues.
4. Backups will be done manually.
5. Buying your own FileMaker Pro Server can be expensive plus you will need some experience to run it.
6. Even for small organisations, HostFileMaker hosting is cost effective and much easier to manage.

Technical Questions

Are there any specific settings which are required for my FileMaker database to work with HostFileMaker ?

Please see this page for help setting up your FileMaker database.

How will I access my database once it's on a HostFileMaker server?

After you install your database, you can access using the information provided on the set up of your VPS. In general terms you will be given an IP address that will allow you to access your data using FileMaker Remote plus, using FileMaker Server Advanced Instant Web Publishing or Custom Web Pages.

Who will be able to access to my data?

As the administrator, you have overall access to your data. Access by all others is dictated by the "Accounts & Privileges" setting within your database. Setting up "Accounts & Privileges" will let you share your database through FileMaker Pro or any supported web browser. Allow "guests" for public access or create private accounts with user names and passwords for only those you want. Share all of your data or only part of it. Set read-write or read-only privileges. Make changes to your "Accounts & Privileges" at any time, via your own local copy of FileMaker on a HostFileMaker server.

Will HostFileMaker staff have access to my data?

No. Password protect your data before uploading it and HostFileMaker staff will never have access to your database or its settings, unless you decide otherwise. Some customers will grant us access to their database for short periods so we can help with support.

How will I upload my databases?

You can upload your databases file using the FileMaker Server 10 Administration Tool (SAT).

Can I make changes to my database structure once it's on the HostFileMaker server?

Yes. Users with full access privileges can make changes to the structure (tables, fields, layouts, scripts, etc.) directly on a HostFileMaker server. This is a major improvement over previous versions of FileMaker Pro.

Do I need to complete my database before hosting it on HostFileMaker?

No. You don't need to complete the development of your database before you start hosting it. You might even benefit from hosting your database during its construction. Colleagues can check your design and data entry can start earlier. Plus your work in progress is backed up daily.

Could I start developing from a blank database on the server?

Yes. If you don't have a ready made database, we can set you up with a blank database to work with. It's an excellent way to learn about hosting with FileMaker Server 10 or Server 10 Advanced. Simply check this option when ordering, giving your preferred file name.

Should my database be built as a single FileMaker database file?

With our VPS service you can have up to 125 databases open at any time. However we do recommend that you base your systems on as few databases as possible. Database design plus Accounts & Privileges are much easier to manage in a single file databases.

How large can my FileMaker database be?

Your database can be any size you require. Your HostFileMaker VPS service includes 20 GB of disk space, which after holding the operating system leaves around 10GB for user programmes and data files.

What kind of performance can I expect from my online database?

If you have high speed internet access at least broadband speed, performance should be equal to or better than local sharing. Dial-up access performance is also acceptable. We have users accessing data nationally and internationally. You can check performance for yourself trial by signing up for one month’s hosting.

General Questions

What is FileMaker Pro Instant Web Publishing (IWP)?

FileMaker’s unique "Instant Web Publishing" lets you access your FileMaker Pro database with popular web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Safari and Firefox, without programming any web pages. Your database will be displayed in a web browser in much the same way you see it using FileMaker Pro. If you are comfortable designing layouts with buttons to navigate between them, you are ready for IWP. IWP does have its limitations, however it will work well for record viewing and data entry. This is only available with VPS Advanced as only FileMaker Server Advanced supports IWP.

What is FileMaker Pro Custom Web Publishing (CWP)?

Custom Web Publishing takes over at IWP's limits. It delivers more flexibility and performance. However, you will need some experience in building web pages, along with some knowledge of PHP, ASP’s or XML and XSLT tags. Your HostFileMaker service provides the directory access to build and host a Custom Web Publishing solution. This is only available with VPS Advanced as only FileMaker Server Advanced supports CWP.

I already have a web site. Can I integrate my VPS with my web site?

As Windows 2008 comes with its own web server (IIS) as standard, or you can install your own i.e. Apache for Windows, we suggest that you might want to host both your website and FileMaker on the same server. If not it is straightforward for an experienced web programmer to link websites that contain different sections on different servers.

Do you host previous versions of FileMaker Pro (version 3-4-5-6)?

We no longer host these databases. If you really want to host your FileMaker Pro database(s) on the internet, we strongly suggest that you upgrade to FileMaker Pro 7, 8, 8.5, 9 or 10.

How can I pay for HostFileMaker?

Payment is by credit card through our online ordering system. If you would prefer to pay by cheque, bank transfer or standing order please contact us directly; however your service will not be started until your payment has cleared.

I need more help?

Please use our live chat, email us at sales@hostfilemaker.com or phone us on
+44 (0)1628 498 290.

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FileMaker Business Alliance Member
HostFileMaker (RapidHost) is a member of the FileMaker Business Alliance (FBA). This means that we have qualified for FileMaker's programme based on our expertise in developing and deploying FileMaker solutions. FileMaker develops database software for business, education and media. FileMaker Pro is the number one-selling easy-to-use database software for Windows and Mac. FileMaker, Inc. is a subsidiary of Apple Inc.