Note: FlexFM works with the following versions of FileMaker Server:

1. FileMaker Server 7 Advanced
2. FileMaker Server 8 Advanced
3. FileMaker Server 9
4. FileMaker Server 9 Advanced

The FlexFM lessons will work exactly the same with any of these versions of FileMaker Server installed and running on your localhost. They will also work fine on a remote host, as long as you substitute “localhost” with your actual host name.

If you already have one of the compatible versions set up, and you would like to use it, then you don’t need to follow this lesson. But you do need to confirm that you have the sample file that ships with FileMaker Server running on your server. If you previously removed it, you need to host a copy of FMServer_Sample.fp7.

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1. FileMaker Inc. offers a 30-day trial of its server products. FlexFM works with either of the two FileMaker 9 Server products. It also works with earlier versions of FileMaker Server, starting with FileMaker 7 Server Advanced. But in all earlier versions, the Advanced version is required. Visit filemaker.com/products/fms/ for a product comparison chart and a link to the free 30-day demo.

If you are already using FileMaker products professionally, then you really should take advantage of a phenomenal bargain. If you join FileMaker’s TechNet for $99, it includes a free version of FileMaker Server Advanced with a developer’s license. This special, test-only version includes all the features and functionality of FileMaker Server 9 and FileMaker Server 9 Advanced, but is restricted to up to three simultaneous FileMaker Pro 9 clients and three simultaneous Web-based clients to access hosted FileMaker solutions.

Important: The FileMaker Server 9 Development License may only be used for development and testing purposes; it may not be used in a production environment. Therefore, you are expressly prohibited from deploying solutions or using the software to host your own solutions for professional use. See full license details inside TechNet.

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2. Whether you choose the 30-day trial version or join TechNet for the development license, you will need to download the FileMaker Server or FileMaker Server Advanced product.

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3. If you are downloading the development license, take a moment to copy your License Code from the My Profile area of TechNet before you log out. You will be able to paste it shortly. Also make note of the exact syntax of you organization name. Typically with licensing for FileMaker products, “Organization” must be filled in identically to how FileMaker has it recorded on the license.

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4. Once you have the package, open it and run the FileMaker Server 9 Installer. Choose Single Machine.

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5. Put your cursor in the first field and paste in your license code.

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6. When the installer completes, you are only half way done. Click Continue.

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7. The installer will open a browser window and attempt to connect to your machine’s Web server on port 16000.

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8. FileMaker Server hosts a special Web server on port 16000 which delivers a thin Java application on demand. You should see a screen like this, and a download should begin automatically.

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9. Allow the application to run.

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Note: This tutorial assumes that you already have your Apache (Mac OS) or IIS (Windows) Web server running on the localhost. Web server configuration is outside the scope of this tutorial.

10. On first-launch, the Deployment Assistant will be presented. You should be able to accept all the default settings. FlexFM uses the XML technology option. While XSLT, IWP, and PHP are not required for FlexFM to connect, we suggest you leave them there, unless you have a very good reason to turn them off. The installer will offer to install PHP 5 for you, which we recommend unless you already have PHP installed and configured. Custom PHP config is outside the scope of this quick-start.

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11. Once the Deployment Assistant has gathered all the information it needs, it will present you a summary before it attempts to configure the servers.

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12. Click Finish and wait for the software to set up.

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13. Once you get to this point, you will avert potential confusion if you click OK and then exit everything, rather than dig into the test pages, etc. Since the server has now been configured, quiting the Admin Console and restarting it will trigger a new first-run behavior which finishes the install. We’ll take care of that in the next section. For now, close any browser and Admin Console windows you still have open.

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Next: FileMaker Server 9 Orientation