Approaches to keep your FileMaker databases in sync

Keep one master database and change only one at the time

+ Pro

• No configuration

- Contra

• Make sure to only update one database at the time and replace the old databases with the edited one before making changes
• You have to pay close attention: which database is the current master? have I copied it yet to the other 2 devices? when did I copy them?

Sync FileMaker files using DropBox / Google Drive / Owncloud / Nextcloud

+ Pro

• No configuration on the database needed

- Contra

• Make sure to only update one database at the time
• Only one database may be open at a time
• Make sure to wait for the sync process to be finished before opening the other databases

A hosted system (FileMaker Server)

+ Pro

• Minimal configuration
• Working at the same time on all data

- Contra

• Device must be online all the time to access the data
• Expensive concurrent connections (FileMaker Server starting from 75$ per User per month)
• High server costs
• Data are not available if your device is not connected to the internet or outside your private network (if not configured accordingly)

A sync solution using the connect via FileMaker ESS (FileMaker external sql source)

+ Pro

• Direct access to the tables via the "Manage Database" settings
• Working at the same time on all data
• Integration on other platforms like websites

- Contra

• Does not work on FileMaker Go (iOS) devices
• Needs a plugin for ODBC connection to the ESS

Build your own system

You make use of the import capability of FileMakercan for instance and build your own sync solution.

+ Pro

• Exactly built for your needs
• No additional costs besides the high development costs

- Contra

• High development costs
• Advanced knowledge necessary
• Takes several months to implement and test throughly

Use filemaker-sync.com

+ Pro

• Syncs all filemaker products including ios devices
• Lower costs
• Fast setup
• No plugins needed
• Devices may be offline and you may still use your data since they are locally on your device
• Connect different applications (like a database of a reduced mobile application with a desktop application database (using a different schema, scripts, layouts etc. than the mobile))

- Contra

• integrations in webapps / online platforms possible but needs advanced programming skills

For additional information: "filemaker-sync.com" is intended to meet the following requirements but remain affordable.