The Missing Admin Tool for FileMaker Server with Claus Lavendt

Dimitris Kokoutsidis 22 mins0

Claus Lavendt, FileMaker Training Videos – Aug 14, 2024

FileMaker Server is an essential component for hosting FileMaker databases, but its built-in administrative tools often leave much to be desired, particularly for users managing large deployments or needing fine-grained control. Enter Claus Lavendt’s Missing Admin Tool, a robust, free, and open-source solution that fills the gaps in FileMaker Server’s admin capabilities. By consolidating multiple interfaces, including the Admin API, command line tools, and log management, this tool makes it easier for administrators to manage their servers efficiently.

For more information on the tool and its updates, visit The BrainBasket, where you can download the tool and explore its numerous features.

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1. What is the Missing Admin Tool?

Claus Lavendt’s Missing Admin Tool for FileMaker Server is a specialized solution that simplifies the process of managing a FileMaker Server instance. Typically, FileMaker Server administration involves using a combination of the Web Admin Console, the Admin API, and the Command-Line Interface (CLI). Each of these tools provides different functionalities, and switching between them can be cumbersome. Lavendt’s tool unifies these interfaces into a single, accessible solution.

The tool is fully customizable, and all scripts are open for editing. Whether you need to manage files, view logs, access the Web Admin Console, or generate SSL certificates, the Missing Admin Tool provides a cohesive interface for all these operations. It saves administrators time and effort, especially in multi-server environments, and automates many tasks that previously required manual intervention.

In short, this tool is essential for anyone who regularly manages a FileMaker Server and wants more control over its features.

Why this Tool is Critical for FileMaker Server Admins

Historically, FileMaker’s built-in Web Admin Console was stripped of many features with the release of FileMaker Server 17. Many admins found themselves forced to switch between different management methods, including command-line interfaces (CLI) and APIs, to complete routine tasks. The Missing Admin Tool resolves this by:

  • Offering a single interface that encompasses features from the Admin API and CLI, thus bringing back the missing functionality.
  • Enabling faster troubleshooting with log filters and clear views of hosted files and clients.
  • Automating the SSL certificate installation process, which previously required a multi-step, manual approach.

In addition, the Missing Admin Tool supports Let’s Encrypt, making SSL certificate management secure and easy.

Pro Tip: For those administering multiple servers, this tool is particularly handy as it can be customized to handle different configurations. Users can duplicate the FileMaker file and configure each version for a different server.

2. Key Features

Let’s delve into the key functionalities of the Missing Admin Tool. This tool not only covers the gaps left by FileMaker Server’s standard offerings but also brings advanced features for easier server administration.

Admin API Integration

The tool connects directly to the FileMaker Admin API, enabling you to manage nearly all aspects of your server from a single dashboard. The API offers a RESTful interface for interacting with FileMaker Server, allowing you to control:

  • Backup management: Start, stop, and schedule backups.
  • File management: Open, close, or verify databases.
  • Client management: View connected clients, disconnect them, or send messages.
  • Server configuration: Modify cache sizes, client limits, and other critical server settings.

Unlike using the API directly, where each request must be manually constructed and sent, this tool simplifies the process by providing a graphical interface for all these tasks. Each API call is represented as a button, making it easy to execute operations without having to write code.

File and Client Management

Managing files and clients on your FileMaker Server has never been easier. With a clear, intuitive UI, you can see:

  • Hosted files: View all currently hosted databases and their status (open, closed, or in maintenance mode).
  • Connected clients: See a detailed list of all clients currently connected to the server, including their IP addresses, device types, and how long they’ve been connected.

This feature is especially useful in multi-user environments, where knowing who is connected and to which files is crucial for effective management.

Pro Tip: If a file becomes corrupted or a client connection is causing issues, the tool allows you to disconnect specific users or perform maintenance on individual files directly from the interface.

Log Viewer with Advanced Filtering

Logs are a critical part of server management, helping admins troubleshoot issues by examining server events. FileMaker’s native logging system can be hard to navigate, but the Missing Admin Tool includes an advanced log viewer with powerful filtering capabilities:

  • Filter by time, event type, user, and severity to quickly find the information you need.
  • Easily search for specific error codes or incidents.

The tool organizes log data into a more readable format, allowing you to trace issues quickly without the need to parse through raw log files manually.

Web Admin Console Access

In addition to the advanced features of the Admin API and log viewer, the tool provides an integrated web viewer for accessing FileMaker’s Web Admin Console directly. This makes it easier to manage your server without needing to open multiple browser tabs or log in separately.

The Web Admin Console itself allows you to:

  • Monitor server status.
  • Manage backups and schedules.
  • Set up email notifications for server events.

The integrated viewer brings all these capabilities into the same tool, reducing the need to switch between multiple interfaces.

3. Installing the Admin Tool

Setting up Claus Lavendt’s Missing Admin Tool is straightforward, but it requires some initial configuration to ensure it works with your FileMaker Server environment. Follow the steps below for a seamless installation.

Step 1: Download the Tool

Head over to The BrainBasket to download the latest version of the tool. The tool is distributed as a FileMaker solution file, which you’ll need to open in FileMaker Pro.

Step 2: Configure Access Credentials

When you first open the tool, you’ll be prompted to enter admin credentials to access its features. By default, these credentials are:

  • Username: admin
  • Password: admin

Security Tip: It is highly recommended to change the default credentials immediately after installation to ensure security, especially in production environments.

Step 3: Configure Server Settings

The tool requires you to enter details about your FileMaker Server installation, including:

  • Server address (IP or domain).
  • Admin credentials for the server.

Once this information is entered, the tool will be able to connect to your server and display relevant information such as files, clients, and logs.

Note: You can use this tool to manage multiple servers by creating copies of the FileMaker file and configuring each copy for a different server.

Step 4: Start Managing Your Server

With the tool configured, you can immediately start managing your FileMaker Server. You’ll find an easy-to-use interface with tabs for accessing different aspects of server management.

4. Using the Tool

With the tool installed and configured, let’s explore how to use its various features.

Web Admin Console Integration

To access FileMaker’s Web Admin Console directly from within the tool:

  1. Navigate to the Web Admin Console tab.
  2. Enter your server’s IP address or domain, along with your admin credentials.
  3. This will bring up the familiar web-based admin console, where you can perform actions like managing backups, setting up schedules, and modifying server settings.

Pro Tip: Use the integrated web viewer for quick access without having to open a separate browser window. This is particularly useful if you’re managing multiple FileMaker Servers, as it keeps all your management interfaces in one place.

File and Client Management

In the File Management tab, you’ll see a list of all hosted databases. From here, you can:

  • Open/Close files: Open or close specific databases directly from the interface.
  • Run a consistency check: This verifies the integrity of your databases and checks for any potential issues.
  • Disconnect clients: If a client is causing a bottleneck or if maintenance needs to be performed, you can disconnect them with a single click.

The Client Management tab shows detailed information about each client connected to your FileMaker Server, such as:

  • Client names.
  • IP addresses.
  • Connection duration.

You can also send messages to clients or log them out directly from the tool.

Log Viewer and Filtering

The Log Viewer tab allows you to view and filter server logs in real-time:

  • Use the filter options to narrow down log entries by date, severity, or specific user actions.
  • The log viewer automatically updates, showing you the most recent events at the top of the list.

Example Use Case: If you suspect a particular client’s actions are causing server instability, you can filter logs to show only events related to that client and quickly identify any anomalies.

Admin API Commands

While much of the Admin API is automated within the tool, you can also use the Command Line Interface (CLI) tab to run specific API commands manually. This is useful if you want to perform tasks that are not directly supported by the tool’s GUI, such as:

  • Custom backups.
  • Server restarts.
  • Advanced configuration changes.

5. Advanced Features

The Missing Admin Tool offers advanced features for experienced users, giving you even more control over your server management tasks.

Custom API Integration

While the tool already connects to many endpoints of the Admin API, advanced users can extend its functionality by adding custom API calls:

  • Add new API endpoints as they are released by Claris.
  • Build custom scripts to interact with third-party services (e.g., monitoring, alerting systems).

This makes the tool highly flexible, enabling it to grow with your server management needs.

Command-Line Integration

If you’re comfortable using the command line, you’ll appreciate the CLI integration:

  • Run any Admin CLI commands directly within the tool.
  • Commands are automatically generated based on your server configuration, making them easier to execute without manual input.

The CLI is particularly useful for batch operations or when troubleshooting server issues that require manual intervention.

Log Automation

The log viewer also supports log automation, allowing you to set up scheduled exports or filters that run automatically. This is ideal for administrators who need regular reports on server health or performance.

6. Setting up SSL Certificates

One of the most powerful features of the Missing Admin Tool is its SSL certificate management, which automates the process of installing and renewing SSL certificates using Let’s Encrypt. Previously, SSL management was a manual and sometimes error-prone process, but this tool automates it, ensuring your server remains secure without the need for constant attention.

How to Set Up Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificates

  1. Navigate to the SSL Certificate tab in the tool.
  2. Enter the necessary details, such as the server domain and admin email address.
  3. Click Generate SSL Request. The tool will automatically generate the required SSL certificate request and handle the submission to Let’s Encrypt.
  4. Once the certificate is generated, the tool installs it on the server, and you’re done!

Pro Tip: The tool also automates the renewal process for Let’s Encrypt certificates, ensuring that your SSL certificates are always up to date without manual intervention.

Manual SSL Management

If you prefer to use custom SSL certificates (from providers other than Let’s Encrypt), the tool also allows you to manually upload and install these certificates.

7. Ubuntu Server Installation & Automation

A standout feature of the Missing Admin Tool is its ability to automate the installation of FileMaker Server on Ubuntu. This is particularly beneficial for users who prefer the stability and cost-efficiency of Linux-based servers but may not be comfortable with Linux command-line management.

Step-by-Step Ubuntu Installation

The tool generates a custom shell script that automates the installation process, taking care of downloading dependencies, setting up the server environment, and installing FileMaker Server.

  1. Enter server details: Enter your Ubuntu server’s IP address, admin credentials, and other relevant information.
  2. Generate shell script: The tool generates a custom shell script that handles the entire installation process.
  3. Upload the script: Upload the shell script to your Ubuntu server using the integrated SSH uploader.
  4. Run the script: Execute the shell script on your Ubuntu server to automatically install FileMaker Server.

This eliminates the need for manual installation steps, significantly speeding up the process.

Tip: The Ubuntu automation feature also sets up Let’s Encrypt for you during the installation, so your server will be secure from the start.

8. Final Thoughts and Resources

Claus Lavendt’s Missing Admin Tool is an indispensable resource for any FileMaker Server administrator. It simplifies the management of both basic and advanced server tasks, all while providing a user-friendly interface. Whether you are running a small deployment or managing several servers, this tool offers the flexibility and control you need to keep everything running smoothly.

Additional Resources

Be sure to check out Claus’s site regularly for updates to the tool, as well as new features and bug fixes. This tool continues to evolve as FileMaker Server grows, ensuring that it remains a crucial resource for server administrators.

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Dimitris Kokoutsidis

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