Claris FileMaker Server for Linux

Wim Decorte, Claris Engage 2021

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1. Introduction to FileMaker Server on Linux
2. Why Choose Linux for FileMaker Server?
3. Key Considerations for Ubuntu and CentOS
4. Detailed Installation Guide for FileMaker Server on Ubuntu
5. Common Myths About Linux: Speed and Hardware
6. Best Practices for Securing FileMaker Server on Linux
7. Managing FileMaker Server on Linux: The Command Line Approach
8. Using the Admin Console for Comprehensive Log Monitoring
9. APIs and Integration: Key Differences Across Platforms
10. Looking to the Future: FileMaker Server, Containers, and Dockers

1. Introduction to FileMaker Server on Linux <a name=”#tag1″></a>

During Claris Engage Beyond 2021, Wim Decorte from Soliant Consulting presented an in-depth session on Claris FileMaker Server for Linux, focusing on the benefits of deploying it on this open-source platform. Traditionally run on Windows and macOS, FileMaker Server’s expansion to Linux has introduced new opportunities for improved performance, cost savings, and scalability. The session aimed to empower FileMaker professionals to make informed decisions about integrating Linux into their deployment strategies, covering installation, performance metrics, security, and troubleshooting tips.

Wim, drawing from his extensive experience in the FileMaker community, detailed the nuances of setting up FileMaker Server on Ubuntu, managing it via the command line, and maintaining a highly secure and reliable environment for mission-critical applications. This post captures the key insights from Wim’s talk, providing a detailed guide to running FileMaker Server on Linux.

2. Why Choose Linux for FileMaker Server? <a name=”#tag2″></a>

Wim explained several key advantages of deploying Claris FileMaker Server on Linux, particularly Ubuntu. These advantages make Linux an appealing choice for many organizations:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Linux is a license-free operating system, making it an attractive option compared to proprietary systems like Windows Server or macOS. This lack of licensing fees can result in significant cost savings, especially for large-scale or cloud deployments.
• Stability and Reliability: Linux distributions, especially Long Term Support (LTS) versions of Ubuntu, are known for their stability and reliability. With Ubuntu’s long support cycles, updates and security patches are available for several years, providing peace of mind in production environments where uptime and reliability are crucial.
• Security: One of the most important reasons for choosing Linux is its inherent security features. Being an open-source platform, Linux benefits from a massive global community that continuously monitors and patches vulnerabilities. Its architecture also allows for better isolation and control of services, reducing the attack surface and making it more secure by default than other operating systems.
• Automation and Flexibility: Linux is built for automation. The ability to manage everything from installation to backups and updates via the command line makes it ideal for IT administrators who want to create automated scripts and tasks. Linux’s flexibility allows organizations to integrate it into their existing automation infrastructure for seamless management and operation.
• Popular with IT Departments: Linux has become a preferred platform in IT departments across industries due to its scalability, security, and adaptability. Many IT professionals favor Linux for server environments because it is easy to deploy and manage while providing excellent performance under heavy workloads.

However, as Wim emphasized, adopting Linux for FileMaker Server requires a solid understanding of Linux commands and administration, as it is primarily managed through a command-line interface (CLI). This learning curve might be challenging for users accustomed to graphical interfaces but provides unparalleled control and flexibility once mastered.

3. Key Considerations for Ubuntu and CentOS <a name=”#tag3″></a>

When Claris FileMaker Server for Linux was initially released, it was supported on CentOS. However, with the release of FileMaker Server 19.3, the supported Linux distribution changed to Ubuntu, specifically Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.

Why the change from CentOS to Ubuntu?

• CentOS Stream vs CentOS: Red Hat made a significant change by shifting CentOS to CentOS Stream, which is a rolling release version. Unlike the older CentOS versions, CentOS Stream receives more frequent updates, potentially sacrificing the stability that IT departments expect from a server operating system. This move prompted Claris to switch to Ubuntu, which offers better stability and long-term support.
• Ubuntu 18.04 LTS: This LTS (Long Term Support) version of Ubuntu is supported until 2023, with additional security updates extending until 2028. Its longevity and stability make it an excellent choice for FileMaker Server deployments that prioritize reliability.
• Future Compatibility: Ubuntu is also a better choice for future technologies, particularly in terms of containers and Docker environments (more on this later). Ubuntu is the preferred OS for cloud-native applications, making it a forward-looking choice for organizations planning to embrace these technologies.

Wim further explained that while Ubuntu 20.04 LTS support is expected in future releases, the current focus is on Ubuntu 18.04 to ensure stability and extensive support.

4. Detailed Installation Guide for FileMaker Server on Ubuntu <a name=”#tag4″></a>

Installing FileMaker Server on Ubuntu is relatively straightforward, provided you follow the recommended steps. Wim’s session provided a clear guide, and Soliant Consulting has a comprehensive step-by-step tutorial available on their blog. Here’s a summary of the installation process:

1. Prepare Your Environment: Start by downloading Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. Wim strongly recommended using the server version of Ubuntu, which does not include a desktop environment, as this reduces overhead and security risks.
2. Install Required Packages: After installation, it’s important to update your server and install any required dependencies for FileMaker Server:bashCopy codesudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade sudo apt install wget curl
3. Download and Install FileMaker Server: After setting up your environment, download the FileMaker Server installation package from Claris’ website and install it using the following commands:bashCopy codewget https://downloads.claris.com/esd/fms_19.3_Ubuntu18_amd64.zip unzip fms_19.3_Ubuntu18_amd64.zip sudo dpkg -i fms_install.deb
4. Post-Installation Setup: Once FileMaker Server is installed, you can configure the Admin Console, upload your databases, and ensure that the server is properly secured. Wim emphasized that using a command-line-based installation without a desktop interface simplifies management and reduces security risks.
5. Monitoring and Updates: Regularly monitor the system using Linux tools such as htop for performance and journalctl to check for system logs. Regular updates and patches are crucial for maintaining security and performance. For detailed guidance, Wim referred attendees to the Soliant Consulting blog.

By following this method, you can get a robust FileMaker Server setup that is secure, stable, and efficient.

5. Common Myths About Linux: Speed and Hardware <a name=”#tag5″></a>

Wim took the time to debunk common myths about Linux deployment, especially around performance and hardware:

• Myth 1: Linux is Faster by Default: Many assume that Linux is faster than macOS or Windows simply because it’s lighter and doesn’t have the overhead of a graphical user interface (GUI). However, Wim pointed out that the speed and performance of FileMaker Server are more influenced by the design of your FileMaker solution than the operating system itself.Using a tool developed by Soliant Consulting called Punisher, Wim demonstrated that performance benchmarks across different operating systems (Linux, macOS, and Windows) showed little variation. The key takeaway is that optimization of your FileMaker solution is far more critical to performance than the choice of operating system.
• Myth 2: Linux Runs Well on Old Hardware: Another common belief is that Linux’s flexibility means it can run efficiently on outdated hardware. While it’s true that Linux can operate on older machines, Wim cautioned against using old hardware for production environments. He used Punisher to compare the performance of an old MacBook versus a modern AWS T3 instance, both with the same number of cores and clock speed. The newer hardware outperformed the older machine by a wide margin, even though they had the same core specs.The conclusion? Use modern hardware for production environments to ensure optimal performance. Linux may run on old hardware, but it won’t perform as well as on newer systems.

6. Best Practices for Securing FileMaker Server on Linux <a name=”#tag6″></a>

Security is a critical concern when deploying FileMaker Server, especially in today’s landscape of increasing cyber threats. Linux is inherently more secure than other operating systems, but Wim shared several best practices to further harden your FileMaker Server setup:

• Minimal Installations: One of the most effective ways to reduce the attack surface of your server is by limiting unnecessary services and software. Wim recommended using the server version of Ubuntu without a desktop environment. This reduces the number of packages installed on the system, lowering the risk of vulnerabilities.
• SSL Certificates: Securing your FileMaker Server with SSL certificates is essential to encrypt communications between the server and clients. Wim explained how to automate the issuance and renewal of SSL certificates using Let’s Encrypt:bashCopy codesudo apt install certbot sudo certbot certonly --standalone -d your-domain.com After obtaining the certificates, use the fmsadmin command to install them on your FileMaker Server and restart the server to apply the changes.
• Firewalls: Setting up a firewall using ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall) is another important security measure. Allow only necessary ports (e.g., 80, 443 for HTTP/HTTPS, and 5003 for FileMaker connections) and deny everything else. Wim recommended changing the default SSH port to enhance security and disabling root login to prevent brute-force attacks.
• Regular Backups: Wim reiterated the importance of implementing a robust backup strategy. Using cron jobs, administrators can automate regular backups of databases, logs, and container data.

Security best practices help to ensure your FileMaker Server environment is protected from potential attacks, and the FileMaker community is an excellent resource for troubleshooting security challenges.

7. Managing FileMaker Server on Linux: The Command Line Approach <a name=”#tag7″></a>

While managing FileMaker Server on Linux can be intimidating for users who are not familiar with the command line, Wim explained that using the CLI offers far more control and flexibility. He highlighted several tools that make server management easier:

• SSH (Secure Shell): This is the primary method for remotely accessing your Linux server. Using SSH, you can connect to your server securely and run commands to manage your FileMaker Server instance.
• tmux and screen: These are terminal multiplexers that allow you to run multiple sessions in one SSH connection, ensuring that even if your connection drops, your processes continue running.
• Monitoring Tools: htop provides a real-time view of CPU, memory, and process usage, while journalctl and tail can be used to view logs in real-time to monitor the health of your server.

While the command line approach may seem daunting at first, these tools make managing FileMaker Server straightforward and efficient. With practice, many administrators find the CLI to be faster and more reliable than graphical management tools.

8. Using the Admin Console for Comprehensive Log Monitoring <a name=”#tag8″></a>

One of the key features reintroduced in FileMaker Server 19.3 for Linux is the ability to monitor logs in real-time via the Admin Console. Wim explained that this feature had been missing since FileMaker 17, and its return is a major improvement for server administrators.

With the Admin Console, you can view:

• Access Logs
• Event Logs
• Database Logs

These logs are critical for identifying potential issues, monitoring performance, and ensuring the overall health of your FileMaker Server. The ability to access logs remotely through the Admin Console also eliminates the need for a graphical desktop interface on the Linux server, further enhancing security.

9. APIs and Integration: Key Differences Across Platforms <a name=”#tag9″></a>

Wim also discussed the API support differences across the Linux, Windows, and macOS versions of FileMaker Server. For Linux users, it’s important to note:

• XML and PHP APIs: These older APIs are not supported on Linux. If your solution relies on custom web publishing using PHP or XML APIs, you will need to stick with Windows or macOS. However, Linux offers several powerful alternatives.
• Data API: The Data API is a modern, REST-based API that is fully supported on Linux. It is a robust alternative to the older APIs and provides better scalability and performance for modern web integrations.
• OData API: Available only on Linux, OData is an open protocol for querying and updating data, offering even more flexibility for web integrations. The OData API is ideal for developers looking to work with standard protocols and integrate FileMaker with other applications in a cloud-native environment.

Understanding these differences is essential for choosing the right platform for your FileMaker Server deployment.

10. Looking to the Future: FileMaker Server, Containers, and Dockers <a name=”#tag10″></a>

Wim closed his presentation with a look towards the future of FileMaker Server on Linux, highlighting the potential of containers and Docker. In the keynote at Claris Engage Beyond 2021, there was a significant focus on the role of containers in future deployments, and Linux—particularly Ubuntu—is an excellent platform for this.

Containers allow for easier deployment and management of FileMaker Server, enabling turnkey solutions that can be spun up quickly, whether on-premise or in the cloud. With Docker, organizations can package FileMaker Server into lightweight, portable containers, reducing deployment complexity and improving scalability.

While FileMaker Cloud already utilizes these concepts, the future looks promising for on-premise installations, where Docker and Kubernetes may soon become standard deployment options for FileMaker Server.

Conclusion

Wim Decorte’s session at Claris Engage Beyond 2021 provided a comprehensive guide to deploying and managing Claris FileMaker Server on Linux. From understanding the differences between Ubuntu and CentOS, to mastering security best practices and CLI management, Linux offers a robust and secure environment for FileMaker Server deployments.

For anyone considering making the switch to Linux, there’s a wealth of information available in the FileMaker Community, as well as step-by-step guides from Soliant Consulting. Linux may present a learning curve, but its benefits in terms of cost savings, security, and future-proofing make it a compelling choice.