By
Nina Avery
Posted on
December 16th, 2020
in
FileMaker,
Claris’ 19.2 release of the FileMaker platform is out! In this article, we will discuss some of our favorite new features including upgrading Server 16+ straight to 19.2, Pro’s Big Sur compatibility updates, and a preview of creating apps directly in a browser! As always, Claris FileMaker continues to be the leader in Workplace Innovation Platforms.
FileMaker 19.2 What’s New?
FileMaker Server 19.2
- FileMaker Server 16 or higher can be upgraded directly to 19.2
- Admin API includes more
tools to administer your server platform - HTTP/2 can be enabled on
Server 19.2 to provide greater speed and performance for web publishing - Auto-Detect Java for Web
Publishing can automatically identify the computer’s default Java and use that for Server. - Java 11 is supported
- Updated process for canceling find requests in hosted files
- PHP is no longer installed with Server installations
FileMaker Pro 19.2
- Big Sur compatibility for
macOS - Cross-file plugin validation
with the extended privilege “fmplugin”
FileMaker Cloud 2.19.2
- Create and preview new apps from a web browser — no FileMaker Pro required.
- New API for uploading large files
- Free performance upgrades for cloud instances
Claris FileMaker Server
19.2
This release of the server platform delivers many functional
enhancements that developers and administrators can be excited about. Here at
DB Services, our clients always ask us if they should upgrade when a new release
is out and we’re happy to report, you should! Included in 19.2 are new
installation tools, speed enhancements, and compatibility packages that make a strong
use case for upgrading.
Upgrade from Server Versions 16 – 19.1
Users can now upgrade from
more server versions with the redesigned setup wizard. FileMaker Server 19.2 supports upgrades from versions 16,
17, 18, and 19.1 without having to uninstall previous versions. This functionality will be a great time-saver and ensure your
settings and configuration remain intact and ready to use!
Admin API Enhancements
This release includes more
functional commands in the Admin API. Users can now perform the following
actions:
- Get metadata for FileMaker Server
- Configure additional folders
- Import an SSL certificate
- Import a license certificate
- Plugin
management
HTTP/2 Support
FileMaker Server 19.2 now supports HTTP/2 to provide faster web performance for web publishing, including Claris FileMaker WebDirect®, FileMaker Data API, and XML. HTTP/2 is enabled by default on Windows & Linux but must be enabled manually for macOS. MacOS support is limited to Catalina or higher and can be enabled using the Enable_HTTP2.sh script.
Cancel Find Requests
In a hosted file, a canceled find request by a client is now quickly halted. Previously, canceled finds continued to run on the host. This new functionality will definitely improve user experience.
PHP Installation Change
PHP is no longer installed on a Windows installation of FileMaker Server 19.2. The folder \FileMaker Server\Web Publishing\publishing-engine\php\ is not created as part of the installation. For users upgrading to Server version 19.2 with an existing PHP installation, you will need to back up the PHP folder and restore it after the upgrade is complete.
Claris FileMaker Pro 19.2
This release of FileMaker Pro comes with an important
compatibility update for macOS users and a useful cross-file privilege set for
plugins.
Big Sur Compatibility (Mac
Only)
This release includes the compatibility for Mac’s newest operating
system, Big Sur, macOS 11. So if you need to run out and grab that new MacBook Pro or
even update your existing Mac, FileMaker Pro 19.2 has you covered.
Validate Cross-File
Plug-in Access
Newly created
files will have the new extended privilege “Validate cross-file plug-in access
(fmplugin). For older files, this privilege can be added. When this extended
privilege is enabled, it will enable plugins for all related files to the
current file if a matching extended privilege is found. If a violation occurs,
a user will be prompted to link the two files.
Claris FileMaker Cloud 2.19.2
App Creation in the Cloud (Preview)
Team managers can now get a preview of creating custom apps directly in FileMaker Cloud without using FileMaker Pro. By clicking “Create New” in the Claris Customer Console, a new file is created, allowing users to build FileMaker apps faster than ever.
API Call to Upload Files Faster
A new API call appendmp has been added to assist users in uploading large files to FileMaker Cloud.
Performance Boost with a Free Upgrade
Who doesn’t like free things, right? With this release of Cloud 2.19.2, customer instances are immediately upgraded at no charge. This upgrade will boost computing power to provide a better experience for using cloud-hosted apps.
Summary
The Claris FileMaker platform continues to solidify its position
as a leader in creating innovative workplace custom apps that work seamlessly
across desktop, mobile, and web. FileMaker Pro 19.2 is a great release
with features both developers and end-users can benefit from.
We look forward to helping you build custom applications using the
new functionality available in 19.2. Contact DB Services at any time if you have questions or needs with Claris FileMaker!
Did you know we are an authorized reseller for FileMaker Licensing?
Contact us to discuss upgrading your FileMaker software.
Nina Avery
Nina is an experienced Certified FileMaker developer and consultant with a consistent focus on providing high quality outcomes for her clients. Both friendly and optimistic, she enjoys bringing people together to collaborate on best-in-class solutions.
