FileMaker Pro 10 is the latest iteration of the award winning FileMaker Pro database product. One of the premier product features is its built-in ability to share FileMaker Pro databases to a “workgroup” of clients. Clients can access FileMaker Pro databases using FileMaker Pro Standard or Advanced, or a web browser (if the database is web-published).
FileMaker Inc. feels that a workgroup is much larger than just a handful of people. FileMaker Pro workgroup sizing recommendations are based upon the specific FileMaker Pro publishing method being implemented on the computer or server “hosting” the shared database. The chart below may help clarify how FileMaker Pro database sharing can be best leveraged to meet your specific needs.
Product used for Sharing/Hosting
"Sharing" to FileMaker Pro Clients
Instant
Web Publishing
Custom
Web Publishing
FileMaker Pro 10 (Standard or Advanced)
Limited to nine (9) simultaneous FileMaker client connections.
Limited to five (5) simultaneous
web session clients.
(not available)
FileMaker Pro 10 Server
Limited to 250 simultaneous FileMaker client connections.
(not available)
No limit to web clients
FileMaker Pro 10 Server Advanced
Unlimited* FileMaker client connections.
Limited to 100 simultaneous
web session clients.
No limit to web clients
* The FileMaker Pro Server 10 Advanced product does not place a “limit” on the number of simultaneous FileMaker Pro client connections. However, performance and practical usability limits would be dependent on a number of factors including: database complexity**, number of records, network load, server load, etc.
** What is a complex database? To clarify further, a database may be considered “complex” if clients need to be able to send emails from the database (using the database send email function), run reports, or create and design their own reports, or have a highly polished user interface, etc.
