The FileMaker hosting market ranges from large generic cloud providers who happen to support FileMaker through to dedicated specialists who focus exclusively on the Claris platform. The difference in day-to-day experience between these extremes is significant — and not always reflected in the monthly price.
Here's what to actually look for.
FileMaker expertise, not just server space
The single most important question to ask a prospective host: does your support team actually understand FileMaker? A generic provider will keep the hardware running, but won't be able to help with:
- FileMaker Server configuration and performance tuning
- Data API setup and SSL configuration for WebDirect
- Backup strategy specific to FileMaker files — not just disk snapshots
- Claris licensing — the difference between concurrent and named user seats
- Progressive backup configuration and consistency checks
If you call with a FileMaker Server question and the answer is "that's not really our area — we just manage the hardware", you've found a generic host wearing a FileMaker hat.
What "daily backups" actually means
"Daily backups included" sounds reassuring. It hides enormous variation in practice. Before signing anything, ask specifically:
- How many backup generations are retained — and for how long?
- Are backups stored off-server, ideally in a separate data centre?
- How long does a full restore actually take?
- Are FileMaker-specific backup procedures followed — progressive backups, scheduled consistency checks?
Uptime numbers and what they mean
"99.9% uptime" sounds impressive until you realise it allows nearly 9 hours of unplanned downtime per year. "99.99%" gets that down to about 52 minutes annually. Read the small print: does planned maintenance count toward the uptime calculation? What's the compensation if the SLA is breached? A host confident in their infrastructure will have clear, generous terms.
Support channels — not just what exists, but how it works
Find out exactly how you would get help in a genuine emergency. Email-only support with a 24-hour response window is fine for a billing query, but inadequate if FileMaker Server stops accepting connections at 9am on a Monday. Understand the escalation path. UK-based phone support, or at least a defined out-of-hours emergency process, is worth paying a premium for.
Price transparency
Watch for headline prices that exclude SSL certificates, off-server backup storage, setup fees, or licence management. Ask for a fully-inclusive quote that covers everything you'll actually be paying for month-to-month. The lowest headline price rarely remains the lowest once you've added the essentials.
If you're currently evaluating providers — or reconsidering an existing arrangement — we're happy to give you a straight comparison. Get in touch and we'll tell you honestly what we can offer and where others might serve you better.