Hosting tends to be treated as a background cost — something you configure once and try not to think about. The monthly invoice arrives, you pay it, and life moves on. But the right setup, properly managed, can actively contribute to your business rather than just keeping the lights on.
Is your server optimally configured?
FileMaker Server has a range of configuration options that materially affect performance — and most of them are set once at initial setup, then never revisited. Cache size, backup schedules, script engine concurrency limits, SSL configuration, WebDirect session limits: these aren't arbitrary defaults. They should be reviewed as your solution grows and your user base evolves.
If your server was configured when you first started hosting and hasn't been looked at since, there's a reasonable chance performance improvements are being left on the table. A server health review doesn't take long and often surfaces quick wins.
Are you using FileMaker's full capability?
Many businesses run FileMaker without taking advantage of everything the platform offers. Three worth knowing about — and asking your host about if you're not sure:
- FileMaker Data API — a REST API that lets other applications read and write your FileMaker data. Useful for web integrations, mobile apps, and connecting FileMaker to third-party platforms.
- Claris Connect — a workflow automation tool that connects FileMaker to hundreds of external services. If you're doing manual data transfers between FileMaker and another system, Connect may be able to automate it.
- WebDirect — browser-based access to your FileMaker solution without requiring the FileMaker client to be installed. Useful for external users, occasional access, or simpler forms and portals.
Proactive monitoring vs. reactive firefighting
A well-managed server isn't just available — it's monitored. CPU utilisation, RAM pressure, disk usage, backup completion, connected user counts. If something is trending in the wrong direction, you want to know about it before your users notice a problem. We include proactive monitoring on all our managed plans and raise capacity concerns before they become incidents.
Review your hosting annually
The hosting market moves. New server generations offer meaningfully more resource for the same cost. Pricing structures evolve. If you haven't reviewed your hosting arrangement in the last two years, a short conversation might reveal you're paying more than you need to, or that you could get significantly better performance for the same monthly spend.
We're happy to review your current setup — whether you're with us already or with another provider — and give you an honest assessment. Get in touch and we'll take a look.