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Lastly, there is the option to purchase licenses for your users and install FileMaker Pro on each user’s computer. Purchase FileMaker Pro Licenses and Code Your Solution to Work Similar to a Runtime If you have a large or anonymous user base, WebDirect may end up being too costly to implement.
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However, when using FileMaker WebDirect, all users must have a license. The key difference between WebDirect and custom web publishing with the Data API is that WebDirect publishes your FileMaker layouts to the web, allowing you to develop the solution entirely using FileMaker Pro. Similar to Custom Web Publishing with the FileMaker Data API, FileMaker WebDirect would allow you to widely distribute your application without the user needing to install FileMaker Pro. This limit can be increased as an additional purchase.
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Your FileMaker Server license comes with 2 GB per licensed user, per month. The Data API cost is based on the amount of data requested from your FileMaker Server. There is some licensing cost involved with using the FileMaker Data API, and a FileMaker Server license would be required. Like runtimes, this allows you to widely distribute your solution without the user needing to install FileMaker Pro. You might consider building a web interface for your solution using Custom Web Publishing and the FileMaker Data API. Custom Web Publishing with the FileMaker Data API Click here for more information on the iOS App SDK. But if your use case could support exclusively iOS devices, it’s worth exploring this option. Of course, these apps are limited to iOS and iPadOS devices, and I recognize that that greatly limits its feasibility for many organizations. Apps built with the iOS App SDK can be distributed via the App Store or Mobile Device Management (MDM) software. The iOS App SDK is very similar to runtimes in that it allows you to distribute a solution as its own standalone application without the user needing to install FileMaker Go on their device. Here are some options you have to achieve similar functionality utilizing the FileMaker platform: iOS App SDK You may be able to wait to upgrade for a little while, but you’ll need to adjust your approach eventually.
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If you have relied on the runtime feature, this will be a significant barrier to adopting FileMaker Pro 19 in your organization. Runtimes were officially deprecated about five years ago, and now, after this long “notice” period, runtimes can no longer be generated with FileMaker Pro 19.
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