FileMaker and Web Integration
Do you have a website? Do you have FileMaker? Do they talk to each other? Our experience has taught us there are typically two reasons to consider integrating FileMaker with the web:
1) Integrate your database with your existing website. As a “back end” to your website, visitors can have secure, limited access to view or enter data into your FileMaker database. For example, visitors who are asked to fill out a form can have that data go directly into FileMaker, thereby saving time and reducing errors. Other examples include allowing prospective buyers to search your current inventory; allowing customers to check the status of jobs; and allowing clients to see if there are still seats available for an event. All of these features will help your website visitors more readily find what they are looking for.
2) Reach a wider audience. Armed with nothing more than a browser, you can grant direct access to portions of your FileMaker system from remote locations. This feature can prove essential in instances where employees, customers, students, partners, or others dont have FileMaker software installed on their computers.
We’ve seen a substantial increase in requests for quotes because website visitors can now do real-time searches of our FileMaker database more easily and quickly than ever before.
R.A. Langevin
COO
Boston-based laboratory equipment supplier
We maintain a staff of technical experts who are familiar not only with FileMaker but also with an array of web technologies such as PHP, CSS, XHTML, XML, JavaScript and AJAX to ensure we build secure, seamless, powerful interfaces to FileMaker.
Custom Web Publishing
FileMaker has a full-featured application programming interface (API) for accessing systems with PHP, a standard tool for web development. With the FileMaker API for PHP, along with other web standards such as JavaScript, CSS, and XML/XSLT, we provide our clients with powerful, data-driven web interfaces to their FileMaker applications. With Custom Web Publishing, we can develop or modify your website to securely publish all or a portion of your data, to just a few remote users or the entire Web.
Instant Web Publishing
Relatively simple and quick, Instant Web Publishing (IWP) is a great way to give remote users access to your FileMaker databases. It permits users to easily query your database, make edits and enter new records via a browser. IWP presents remote users with an interface that is nearly identical to the one you’ll see when connected directly to your database as a FileMaker client. IWP does have a number of important limitations however, so it is best for internal users where the use of the proper browser can be assured.
While enabling IWP is indeed nothing more than a clicking a checkbox in FileMaker Pro, it does require that layouts and scripts be compatible with it.
Web Viewer
This is truly a “cool new technology” initially made available in FileMaker Pro 8.5. It allows us to include a window within your FileMaker layouts that displays a remote website and interacts with it based on the data in your FileMaker system. For example, you could look at information on a prospective customer, and in the Web Viewer window, instantly see the company’s website alongside their record. A service technician can view a customer account, and have a Google or MapQuest map appear showing their location with driving directions, based on the address you have in your FileMaker database. Or have an invoice or packing list displayed in FileMaker and the Web Viewer can pull up the UPS or FedEx tracking page from their website.
Why we’re different
Most FileMaker consultants are one-person shops. Others run “virtual offices” and hire temporary contractors in remote locations to help with their projects. The four offices of the Support Group are staffed with committed and loyal employees who are provided with up-to-date hardware and software tools, management oversight and office support staff. Our developers receive ongoing technical training and professional development. They each benefit from being a member of a team of other experienced FileMaker developers.
If having a well-respected professional services company with a multitude of committed FileMaker Certified Developers, real offices and a 20+ year track record of success is important to you, then talk with us.
Interested?
For a free initial consultation or to learn more about our consulting and training services, fill out our online form or contact the office closest to you to get a rapid response from one of our FileMaker experts.
