A Comprehensive Guide to Enhancements and Key Features
Dimitris Kokoutsidis, Nov 9, 2024, CyberFM
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Core Features and Enhancements in FileMaker Server 21.1
- HTTPS Tunneling: Unified Port 443 for Secure Connectivity
- Unlimited Data API and OData Usage: Removal of Usage Caps
- Streamlined Certificate Management with Integrated Let’s Encrypt
- Java Display and Management in the Admin Console
- Advanced Folder and Subfolder Management for Databases
- Admin Console Revamps
- Redesigned Schedules Interface
- Blocking New User Connections During Maintenance
- Enhanced Notifications for Errors and Warnings
- Customizable Swap File Size for Ubuntu Servers
- Administrator Contact Information for Notifications
- Enhancements for FileMaker Go Users
- Expanded Container File Formats and CSV Import Capabilities
- Enhanced Live Text Functionality with New Language Support
- Building on Security, Flexibility, and Performance
Introduction
Claris has once again expanded the functionality and reliability of its flagship database server with the release of FileMaker Server 2024 Version 21.1. This latest release is packed with new capabilities aimed at enhancing network compatibility, data security, administrative convenience, and user experience. We’ll take a close look at how these features can streamline operations for organizations, optimize performance, and enable more secure deployments.
Core Features and Enhancements in FileMaker Server 21.1
HTTPS Tunneling: Unified Port 443 for Secure Connectivity
FileMaker Server 21.1 expands its HTTPS tunneling capabilities, now available on Windows and macOS servers. This feature was first launched for Linux in FileMaker Server 21.0, enabling FileMaker traffic to run over the widely accepted port 443 instead of the traditional port 5003. By using HTTPS tunneling, organizations can reduce network complexity and ensure data security by limiting the number of open ports.
- Use Cases: HTTPS tunneling is particularly advantageous for organizations with strict network security policies, where reducing the number of open ports (like port 5003) is essential.
- Compatibility: In addition to Pro and Go, the new HTTPS tunneling support extends to WebDirect and FileMaker Cloud environments, making it easier to streamline secure communication for all server-supported client applications.
- Nginx Integration: For Windows Server environments, HTTPS tunneling on port 443 requires the use of Nginx instead of IIS (Internet Information Services). The server setup now includes a streamlined process for installing and managing Nginx, ensuring easy deployment of HTTPS tunneling.
This enhancement not only makes FileMaker more compatible with enterprise-grade IT infrastructures but also simplifies network configuration, reducing the need for multiple open ports and making it easier to adhere to strict security protocols.
Unlimited Data API and OData Usage: Removal of Usage Caps
One of the most anticipated updates in FileMaker Server 21.1 is the removal of Data API and OData usage limits. These APIs, which allow for seamless data integration with external platforms, no longer have usage-based licensing restrictions, offering users unlimited access to data sharing and integration capabilities.
- Data API: The Data API allows developers to interact with FileMaker Server databases through HTTPS requests, commonly used for web and mobile applications. The removal of limits means developers can now build and deploy more robust integrations and data-heavy applications without incurring additional costs.
- OData API: Often referred to as the “modern successor” to ODBC, OData facilitates complex querying across relationships and datasets without requiring local drivers. FileMaker Server 21.1 is now fully OData 4.01 compliant, allowing for more sophisticated data queries and integration capabilities, ideal for enterprise-scale applications.
With these changes, organizations can rely on FileMaker’s APIs to drive integrations for business intelligence, CRM systems, and other data-centric platforms, with virtually no operational limits.
Streamlined Certificate Management with Integrated Let’s Encrypt
To enhance security and simplify SSL certificate management, FileMaker Server 21.1 integrates Let’s Encrypt into its admin console. Let’s Encrypt provides free SSL certificates with a 90-day validity, auto-renewed to maintain continuous security.
- Certificate Renewal: Traditionally, SSL certificates require regular renewals, which can be costly and time-consuming. Let’s Encrypt certificates renew automatically every 90 days, removing the need for manual renewals and the risk of certificate expiration.
- Server Restart Requirement: While Let’s Encrypt automates renewals, applying the updated certificates still requires a server restart in FileMaker Server 21.1. Claris is working to further streamline this process in future versions.
With Let’s Encrypt integration, organizations have a free and reliable option for SSL certification, ensuring data transmitted over FileMaker Server is encrypted and secure. This feature makes SSL deployment more accessible to smaller organizations that may have avoided paid certificates in the past.
Java Display and Management in the Admin Console
FileMaker Server 21.1 introduces improved Java management capabilities, with the admin console now displaying the current Java Development Kit (JDK) version in use. Additionally, administrators on Windows and macOS can now update or replace the JDK directly from the console, further enhancing server manageability.
- JDK Visibility: The JDK version is now visible within the Web Publishing tab of the admin console, allowing administrators to quickly verify compatibility with FileMaker Server.
- Replacement Options: If administrators need to update the JDK, the admin console includes a Replace JDK option, automating the update process and reducing the risk of compatibility issues during JDK transitions.
By simplifying Java management, FileMaker Server 21.1 helps administrators maintain up-to-date software, ensuring compatibility with security updates and performance optimizations.
Advanced Folder and Subfolder Management for Databases
Database organization has been significantly improved with advanced folder and subfolder management capabilities in the FileMaker Server 21.1 admin console. Admins can now sort and filter databases by folder and subfolder, making it easier to manage large and complex database structures.
- Filtering Options: Administrators can now view databases by folder location, simplifying the process of identifying and managing files within nested directories.
- Bulk Operations: New filtering options allow for bulk actions (e.g., closing all databases within a specified folder), improving control over large sets of files.
- Use Cases: This functionality is especially beneficial for organizations with complex database deployments, enabling them to organize files by department, project, or region and perform bulk actions more efficiently.
By providing better control over database organization and enabling bulk actions, FileMaker Server 21.1 enhances the overall manageability of multi-file solutions and enterprise deployments.
Admin Console Revamps
Redesigned Schedules Interface
The Schedules interface has been revamped, consolidating all schedule types into a single location. Previously, backup schedules and other scripts were separated into different tabs. This consolidated view provides a more streamlined experience, improving efficiency for administrators managing complex scheduling configurations.
- Quick Editing: Administrators can now double-click a schedule to access its settings, removing the need for multiple clicks and improving ease of use.
- Sorting and Filtering: All schedules can be sorted and filtered by schedule type, frequency, or last run time, allowing admins to quickly identify and modify schedules based on specific criteria.
This update addresses several pain points, particularly for organizations that rely on a high number of automated schedules to handle backups, data exports, and other repetitive tasks.
Blocking New User Connections During Maintenance
Server administrators now have the ability to block new user connections during maintenance operations, ensuring that users cannot reconnect once disconnected for maintenance.
- Maintenance Mode: This feature provides a way for administrators to manage server restarts without the interference of reconnecting users, who might disrupt scheduled updates or troubleshooting procedures.
- Graceful Disconnection: For instances where administrators need to perform maintenance on live systems, existing users are not disconnected, but new connections are temporarily prevented.
This improvement streamlines server maintenance workflows, reducing interruptions caused by unplanned user reconnections.
Enhanced Notifications for Errors and Warnings
FileMaker Server 21.1 now includes notification settings for both errors and warnings. This feature is ideal for administrators who want to monitor not only critical failures but also potential warning signs.
- Error Notifications: Error notifications inform administrators about serious issues such as database corruption or connection failures.
- Warning Notifications: These can include login attempts with incorrect credentials, session warnings, and other less critical issues that may still require attention.
By providing customizable notifications, FileMaker Server 21.1 enhances proactive server management, allowing IT teams to address potential issues before they escalate into critical failures.
Customizable Swap File Size for Ubuntu Servers
For Ubuntu-based servers, FileMaker Server 21.1 offers the option to configure swap file size through the assisted install file. By default, a 4 GB swap file is created, but this value can be modified to suit the server’s memory configuration.
- Memory Optimization: Configurable swap file sizes enable optimized memory usage, particularly for servers running multiple applications or high-traffic FileMaker deployments.
- Swappiness Level: Administrators can also adjust the swappiness level, controlling the balance between physical memory and disk memory usage.
These enhancements provide greater flexibility for IT professionals managing Ubuntu-based deployments, allowing them to tailor memory settings to their specific hardware and application requirements.
Administrator Contact Information for Notifications
Administrators can now include contact information in the admin console’s notification settings, allowing end users to reach the correct contact when an issue arises. This feature can be especially helpful in large organizations where system notifications may need to be triaged across multiple departments.
Enhancements for FileMaker Go Users
Expanded Container File Formats and CSV Import Capabilities
FileMaker Go users now have expanded options for data ingestion, including support for any binary file format in container fields, as well as CSV import capabilities.
- Container File Support: Users can now upload any file format into container fields, making it easier to store images, videos, PDFs, or other document types on mobile devices.
- CSV Import: The new CSV import functionality enables quick data collection and entry on the go, particularly useful for data collection in the field.
These enhancements make FileMaker Go a more versatile tool for field data collection, document management, and other mobile-first applications.
Enhanced Live Text Functionality with New Language Support
FileMaker Go’s Get Live Text feature now includes expanded support for languages, including Arabic. This improvement is particularly useful for users in multilingual environments, enabling more accurate data extraction and text recognition.
- Metadata Capture: In addition to supporting more languages, Get Live Text now provides metadata with XY coordinates, improving data accuracy and positioning, which can be especially helpful in scanned document applications.
By supporting more languages and providing richer metadata, this feature enhances FileMaker Go’s capabilities in international and multilingual contexts.
Building on Security, Flexibility, and Performance
FileMaker Server 21.1 introduces significant technical improvements, making it a powerful tool for developers, administrators, and end-users alike. Whether it’s enhanced network compatibility, improved data integration, or more intuitive server management, each feature contributes to a more robust, secure, and user-friendly experience. As FileMaker continues to evolve, these updates reinforce its place as a top choice for building and managing custom applications in a diverse range of business environments.
