Updating FileMaker Server is a crucial task to maintain the security, stability, and performance of your applications. However, a poorly planned update can disrupt your business and affect the availability of essential databases. This article explains how to update FileMaker Server without disrupting your daily operations, by following key steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Preparation before the update
Preparation is key to a successful and interruption-free update. Before proceeding with the FileMaker Server update, take the following steps:
Before you begin, ensure that the version you want to install is compatible with your operating system and existing infrastructure.
Claris FileMaker publishes detailed information about compatible versions for each update. This may include hardware or software prerequisites that require adjustments before installation. Review all current configurations of your FileMaker Server, including security settings, automated scripts, backups, and client connections. This will help you understand what might be affected by the update and plan accordingly. Take note of all hosted databases, active users, network connections, and security configurations.
Choose a low-traffic period to perform the update. Ideally, this should be done during off-peak hours to minimize the impact on users. If you have multiple sites or servers, consider updating the systems in phases to reduce risks.
Backup and data security
Backing up is an essential step before any update. You must ensure that you have complete backups of your databases and server configuration. Here are some best practices for effective backups:
Perform a full backup of all databases hosted on the FileMaker server. You can use the backup tools integrated into FileMaker Server or an external backup solution. Make sure that backup files are stored in a secure and accessible location in case of need.
Also, back up the FileMaker server configuration, including server settings, SSL certificates, security, and connection configurations. This will make it easier to restore the server in case of issues after the update.
It is important to test the restoration of backups to ensure they work correctly. This can be done in a test environment to ensure that both data and configuration can be restored without issues.
Performing the update
Once the preparation is complete, you can move on to the next step: installing the update. Here are the general steps to follow:
Download the latest version of FileMaker Server from Claris’ official website or your license management platform. Ensure you download the version compatible with your operating system and server architecture.
Before proceeding, consult the release notes to learn about new features, improvements, and bug fixes. Some updates may introduce significant changes to features or database management.
Follow the installation instructions provided by Claris to update your server. The process may involve stopping the server, applying the update, and restarting the service. If you have multiple instances of FileMaker Server, apply the updates one at a time to avoid conflicts or widespread interruptions.
Testing the new version
Once the update is complete, it is crucial to test the new version to ensure it works as expected. Here are some tests to perform:
Test access to the databases from FileMaker clients to ensure all databases are accessible. Try performing read and write operations to confirm that connections are stable.
It is also important to measure the server’s performance after the update. Compare response times before and after the update to detect any performance degradation. Use server monitoring tools to track system resource usage (CPU, memory, disk space).
Check that scripts, automation, and scheduled tasks are functioning correctly. If tasks are scheduled on the server, make sure they run without errors.
Monitoring and follow-up
After the update, closely monitor the server for any anomalies. Here are some actions to take:
Use the built-in monitoring tools in FileMaker Server to track server performance, memory usage, and user connections. Ensure that the server runs smoothly and that users can access databases without interruption.
After the update, ask users to report any difficulties or issues they encounter with the server. They are the first to spot bugs or inconsistencies that may appear after the update.
Document all changes made during the update, including new features, configuration adjustments, and problem resolutions. This documentation will be useful for future technical support and for managing future updates.
Planning for the future
Updating FileMaker Server should not be a one-time event. To maintain a secure and high-performance environment, it is important to:
Schedule regular updates to ensure your FileMaker server stays up to date with the latest security patches and improvements. Avoid delaying important updates, as this can make your server vulnerable to attacks or malfunctions.
Consider training your technical teams and users on the new features of FileMaker Server. This will help maximize the benefits of each update and ensure smooth adoption of the new capabilities.
Conclusion
Updating FileMaker Server without disrupting your business requires careful planning, regular backups, and thorough testing. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can minimize disruption risks and ensure a smooth transition to the latest features and improvements in FileMaker Server. This will ensure that your server continues to deliver optimal performance while maintaining the security and reliability of your essential data.
Need help updating the FileMaker Server? Feel free to send us a message.