Filemaker database managed server

This service provides the ability for Filemaker databases to run on DeS managed servers. DeS will maintain the hardware, operating system, security and backup capability while allowing control to be delegated to a designated owner/owners for administration, backup recovery and application management. Please contact the IT Service Desk for further details.

DeS house and manage a number of Filemaker servers and upon request will create delegated Filemaker Folders with the application and secure these Folders and Filemaker Files located within them with Windows Security Groups. These security groups allow nominated University staff or DeS staff to control access to Filemaker File and Folders.

Groups within the University that have large numbers of users, databases or other special requirements may be allocated their own server. Assessment and configuration will be negotiated and setup on a case by case basis.

An interface is provided that will allow administrative type users to automate the recovery of backups of their databases. The Filemaker Application on each server (production and development) will be configured to create backups twice daily as flat files and retain these backups on the local server for three days. These backups will be accessible to the owner of the container they are backed up from for self restoration. These files will be backed up to tape each night as part of the standard DeS backup policy.

DeS will maintain the hardware, operating system (MS Windows) and Filemaker server software and keep them patched and up to date. As newer versions of Filemaker become available, DeS will liaise with designated database owners to migrate to the new version.

On the availability of new versions of Filemaker, DeS will liaise with key stakeholders to develop a migration strategy to move to the new version. This will typically be a 6 month migration window during which time developers can upgrade, test and migrate their databases before the older version is retired. Extensions to the typical migration window are available where there is a legitimate business case.

Web access is only available for devices connected to the University network and staff logging in via a VPN from home.

Response timeframes for standard Service Requests for this service are:

Request to DeS to	Maximum business days to complete
Provision Filemaker configuration and adminstrative access for a new Filemaker database or provide adminstrative access to an existing database.	Standard installation or access configuration 3 days Non standard installation to be negotiated

DeS aims to achieve 99% availability of this service each calendar month.

Charges

New installation of Filemaker on a managed server: DeS is centrally funded to provide this service to Faculties, Institutes and Other Areas.

Filemaker client software: Faculties, Institutes and Other Areas are required to purchase, configure and install their own client software.

External parties and events: Provision of this service for the purposes of use by external parties and events will be quoted and charged for on an individual basis.