Upgrading a FileMaker server to reliable cloud hosting

  • Essential FileMaker system hosted on out-of-date server on site
  • Server was not maintained or kept up to date
  • Following a careful upgrade FileMaker server is now hosted securely on cloud
  • Upgrade took place without downtime or disruption

The challenge

A Business College has an existing FileMaker system that’s critical to their operations. The system has been around for years and is used across the organisation. It was hosted on-site – and there’s nothing wrong with that – but the college has no specialist IT support with the knowledge to maintain and update the FileMaker server. That’s vital for an on-site (or cloud) server. So over the years the server had become increasingly out of date, making it vulnerable to cyber attack, glitches and ultimately system crashes. The risks were growing, and any serious problem would disable the College’s operations.

The College decided they had to move the server to reliable hosting on a cloud server. But they couldn’t do it themselves.

Our solution

It’s important to recognise how vital a system like this is to a business and the consequences if things go wrong. And they can easily go wrong.

After the College asked for our help in arranging secure cloud hosting, we began by commissioning a new, up to date cloud server. We then arranged a test migration and our team and some of the College team tested functionality on the new server. As happens so often, a number of things were no longer working – a handful of features, some plug-ins and other third party software. We then did some FileMaker development work which eliminated the need for the plug-ins and third party software, made the system simpler and more reliable, and brought it up to date.

With all fixes and upgrades complete, the actual migration to the new cloud server was seamless. In fact none of the users noticed. There was very little down time, it took place at a mutually agreed time, and no disruption.

supporting image

The impact

The College’s business system is now cyber secure and up to date. Secure off-site back-ups automatically take place and are verified by Decent Group staff every day, and we carry out regular maintenance. In future, FileMaker upgrades will be quicker and easier, especially because they will now be done frequently – we will take care of these upgrades at the right time.

Had the College attempted to move the system onto new hosting without testing first, or tried to upgrade their on-site server in situ, it would have suddenly faced a series of issues and the system would quite likely have never functioned the same again. But by asking a FileMaker expert, they upgraded their hosting with no additional problems and removed the long-term risk and needless complication of using third party software and plug-ins.

We recognise how important your system is to your business, we understand the commercial implications of downtime, and we carry out hosting upgrades with forethought and care.

The transformation journey

Audit of existing Claris FileMaker system

We took time to understand the College’s FileMaker system, how it’s used by the team, and the different software systems it is integrated with.

Claris FileMaker platform hosting migration

We coordinated all the steps necessary to ensure a smooth upgrade, addressing the specific circumstances unique to this installation and taking the best approach for the long-term – not just a quick fix.

Ongoing Claris FileMaker support

We provide regular, ongoing FileMaker support and server back-ups, maintenance and upgrades.

Decent Group image box supporting image Decent Group image box supporting image

Services used

Hosting migration

Move your Claris FileMaker system onto a secure cloud hosting with automatic back-ups and timely upgrades.

FileMaker upgrade

Upgrade your Claris FileMaker system to make it more robust, secure and reliable – and you’ll be able to take advantage of new capabilities you didn’t have before.

case study image case study image
Case study

Reinventing a FileMaker system produces big efficiency gains

The scheduling tool managing multiple complex projects

FileMaker system transformation and training for IT team

Expert rescue for a vulnerable mission-critical system

We transformed this aluminium die casting manufacturer’s existing FileMaker system, giving them instant access to detailed real time order and production data. The system has virtually eliminated errors, improved efficiency and helped the business to grow. 

More on this

Explore how our revolutionary scheduling tool, featuring an interactive drag-and-drop Gantt chart, brings clarity to project management for a leading access flooring specialist. Find out how this bespoke software solution overcame complex scheduling challenges that ensures precision and flexibility.

More on this

A complete overhaul of an existing FileMaker system allowed our property finance lender client to streamline all its business processes. We also recruited and trained an IT team to bring systems and solutions skills in-house for ultimate efficiency. 

More on this

Partnering with a quality management consultancy, we assisted in upgrading their mission-critical business system through the Claris FileMaker upgrade process. With our expert Claris FileMaker developers, we seamlessly transitioned their aging Claris FileMaker server to the new system.

More on this
Decent Group watermark image Decent Group watermark image

Start a conversation

Fill in your details and give us an idea of what you’d like to talk to us about, and we will contact you shortly.

Up for telling us some more?

It’s only 3 extra things and the more details we have, the better!

Provide more details

Can we stay in touch?

Each month the Decent Group newsletter delivers practical insights into how software systems can help you run a better business. It’s a quick way to check on your progress, identify business benefits you’re missing, and gain inspiration for the road ahead. 

We typically explore how SMEs can (and should) leverage business systems to achieve tangible benefits. We dive into a recent project and what it delivered for our client, with lessons for businesses like yours. We'll also highlight the new tools and solutions our team has been developing and the impact they’re having on our clients (and ourselves). And we cover any relevant FileMaker news and what actions you can take in response.

Fill in your details above and click the button below to sign up to the Decent Group newsletter. We will never pass your information to any third party and you can unsubscribe at any time. View our full privacy policy here.