Approaches to keep your FileMaker databases in sync
Keep one master database and change only one at the time
+ Pro
- 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.