Knowledge Base

FileMaker licensing is a complex topic. There are several factors to consider before determining the best licensing options for your organization. As a Claris Platinum Partner, we can guide you through these options to make an informed decision. 

A license is what you pay to use FileMaker products. These include FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Server, WebDirect, and FileMaker Go (for iPhone or iPad). All shared solutions require a FileMaker Server license or FileMaker Cloud hosting account. Every user using your solution, regardless of how they connect to your solution (i.e., FMPro, FMGo, or WebDirect), requires a license to use the technology. 

Several years ago, Claris switched to a SaaS (software as a service) model requiring users to pay monthly subscription fees to maintain their licenses, which include upgrades, versus paying a one-time fee for a standalone copy and additional fees for each upgrade.

When hosting via FileMaker Cloud, Claris’ hosting platform, licensing is relatively straightforward. There are two tiers: 

• Starter (from 5-11 users)
  

• Max: (from 5-99 users)
  

Both are billed annually and include additional Cloud features such as Claris Studio and Claris Connect. Additional details can be found here: Claris Pricing.

The advantages of Cloud hosting include having your server updates, maintenance, and performance managed by Claris. The disadvantage is that not all custom add-ons/plugins are supported, you cannot choose not to upgrade, and you have no control over the type or location of the server running your application.

If you want to self-host your FileMaker solution, annual plans include two tiers:

• Starter (from 5-11 users)
  

• Max: (from 5-11 users)
  

Both are billed annually. These plans do not include access to Claris Connect or Claris Studio. For more details, visit Claris Pricing - Self Hosted.

Self-hosting requires you to maintain all aspects of your installation, from the physical hardware to backups, updates, and security. It is a lot to manage, but gives you the ultimate control. 

If you are a solo FileMaker user or prefer a one-time purchase versus a subscription, Claris offers single full licenses and upgrades (at an additional cost). These licenses cover FileMaker Pro only and do not include any hosting or other features. FileMaker apps cannot be shared with other users.

A Developer License is also available at a per year rate. This is useful if you build solutions only for yourself and do not share them.

Claris now offers cloud-based services for creating workflow automations and providing access to your FileMaker solution via a web browser. These services are only available with a FileMaker Cloud hosting license. The standalone free version of Claris Connect is no longer available. 

When you purchase your licensing through Portage Bay Solutions, we have access to additional licensing options, including Site, Concurrent, ETS, and SBA (Solutions Bundle Agreement) that can reduce your per-user costs and include alternative actions.

Additionally, if you choose to host with us, we can handle all server maintenance plus provide quick customer support. We can also customize your installation and server based on your specific needs. Hosting with Portage Bay is the best option to combine security and flexibility.