Push Filemaker databases to iPads

[rudigerets]

We have some databases (or updates) that we want to periodically push to specific iPads. Is there a way to do this ? We have a FilemakerServer available.

Thanks in advance !

[talkingmoose]

You can use AirDrop if you're in proximity of the iPads.

Or consider adding something like Google Drive or similar file storage service. Copy your file to the server and then bring it down through the app and open in FileMaker.

And don't forget iTunes lets you copy files to devices too.

None of these, though, is hands-free and automated. Not sure that type of solution exists.

[davidacland]

I'd use a FileMaker server in this case. Any updates can be made centrally and the iPads will pick them up immediately without the need to re-push copies of the DB around.

The newer versions of Filemaker for iPad work really well with FM server.

[rudigerets]

@davidacland the iPads are "in the field", not allways Wifi of 4G available, that's why we choose to leave the files on the iPads and not connect to the FMserver.

[davidacland]

Ah ok, got it.

A simple(ish) solution in that case would be to make the latest copy of the database available using something like Dropbox or Box.com and use the "open with..." option on the iPads to open the file with the FM app. Basically what @talkingmoose suggested.

[ScottGH]

@rudigerets, did you ever figure out a good way to distribute FileMaker databases to FileMaker Go via Jamf or other MDM?