Filemaker converting to mySQL?? is it possible
the company I work for has a client that runs everything on filemaker 3 and they are too cheap to update to 6 and get new hardware... and now when you can't get a mac that runs OS 9 here soon they will be screwed. I was wondering if there was a way to make a somewhat same looking interface say in ReaLbasic? is there a way to convert all the data over tho they have from the previous 5-7 years into a new system and keep that data intact? if you're a pro and cheap let me know they'd be interested...
Craig
Craig
Comments
I do not know for certain whether or not there is a way to migrate a FMP database to another standard, but I can tell you this much: It isn't going to work right, you're going to have to spend a significant amount of time cleaning it up, and it is most definitely not going to be a pleasurable experience. Furthermore, you still have to write a new front end to the new database.
You are looking at money for the software to actually perform the conversion, plus labor costs for cleaning up the mess that it is going to make, and finally labor costs for developing a new front end to the data.
You say maintaining an OS 9 box is not an option, however, your explanation for that makes very little sense. You have thirty reps connecting from System 7 clients to an eMac currently? An eMac is more than adequate to handle the load of thirty clients hammering a FMP system. When did the client purchase the eMac?
Unless your client has a high bankroll, you're not going to be moving it to a SQL Database. Furthermore, SQL is a standard and not necessarily a specific product. While there are free, open source SQL databases, they have their own limitations and issues. Not to mention that we still have the issue of building an interface for the data so the reps can interact with it.
You want to buy a system that will run OS 9 with a G3 or G4 in it. You're going to install FMP on it, and you're going to put it in a closet and reboot it when it crashes. This is going to cost you practically no money, and will be exponentially cheaper than the mess you are proposing.
In closing, before you even think of moving the FMP database to SQL and OS X, do something about those System 7 clients those thirty reps are running. That's just silly...
You've really got two options here:
1) Go ahead with the upgrade
Yes, there are costs involved. But, this is the easiest route. Your current databases can be converted with a few clicks, and the users won't notice much of a difference. Switching to OS X will be more of a shock than the database upgrade.
2) Write an SQL database from scratch
In all my experience with Filemaker, I've found that it's near impossible to convert from one program to another. The files are just built too differently. Your best bet in this scenario is to hire someone who can write a new SQL database, and then export your date from FMP to tab-delimited text. Then, have them import the data into the SQL database. It'll be tricky, and they may have to try it a few times to get the data matched up right. But, it's the only way to migrate.
Hope that helps.
One of my friends does that for a living, but I don't know much about it.
Look in to lasso though, it plays nice with PHP, MySQL, and filemaker.
http://support.blueworld.com/article...?id=5142003608