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!