[log in to unmask]" type="cite">Using FileMaker as a front-end for MySQL is generally not the best solution, and will require a lot of time optimizing due to FileMaker's inefficiencies when accessing external datasources.

As for hosting companies, we've been hosting FileMaker for over 11 years now.  We use Apple Xserves for all of our hosting, all at under 20% utilization rates.  Feel free to try our risk-free 30 day trial to see that our services perform quite snappily:

    http://www.pointinspace.com/

You'll also find that our support is a lot more accessible and knowledgeable than many of the larger hosting providers.

    - John



On 7/26/10 6:52 AM, Bruce Button wrote:

I need to develop a Filemaker solution that will be accessible via
Internet. At the moment I am looking at two options:

1. Use an all-Filemaker approach and host the Filemaker database with a
Filemaker web hosting company.

2. Use a MySQL back end and access it using Filemaker clients.


Option 1 is certainly the easiest for me, since I already know
Filemaker. However, option 2 seems to be a lot cheaper (about $80 per
year as opposed to about $250 per year). Some limited experience in the
past has also made me ask whether the companies that host Filemaker Pro
databases have servers that are as quick and efficient via Internet as
those that provide the more popular hosting services.

Can anyone give me some pointers?

Thanks in advance

Bruce Button