How much does FileMaker development cost?

Project cost depends on scope. Straightforward systems typically start from R150,000 to R250,000. More complex, multi-module platforms can run significantly higher. We provide a fixed-price quote after a scoping session, no surprises mid-project.

How long does a FileMaker project take?

A focused first module typically takes six to twelve weeks from scoping to go-live. We build in phases so you are using a working system early, not waiting months for a big reveal.

Is FileMaker the right tool for my business?

Not always, and we will tell you if it is not. FileMaker is well suited to operations-heavy businesses with complex internal processes and data. It is not the right fit for consumer-facing apps or simple record-keeping that a standard SaaS tool handles fine.

Do you provide ongoing support after the build?

Yes. Most clients move onto a support retainer after go-live. We host FileMaker servers, handle maintenance, and continue developing the system as the business grows.

Can you take over an existing FileMaker system?

Yes. We assess and take over existing FileMaker systems regularly, whether they were built in-house or by another developer. We will give you an honest assessment of what you have before committing to anything.

FileMaker Server · Ubuntu Linux

Move your FileMaker Server from Mac or Windows to Ubuntu.

Running FileMaker Server on ageing Mac hardware or a Windows Server licence is expensive and fragile. Ubuntu Server is cheaper, more stable, and fully supported by Claris since FileMaker Server 19.2.

BasicData manages FileMaker Server migrations to Ubuntu for clients across South Africa and internationally. We handle the full migration with zero data loss and minimal downtime.

Start a conversation → See what we build

Based: Cape Town
Coverage: South Africa + international
Partner: Claris Business Alliance
Since: 2018

What we build

Everything involved in a FileMaker Server migration to Ubuntu.

Migrating FileMaker Server to Ubuntu is not just a file copy. It requires careful preparation, parallel environment testing, and a clean cutover that your team does not notice. We have done this enough times to know where it goes wrong.

Pre-migration system audit and compatibility check

Ubuntu Server setup and security hardening

FileMaker Server installation and configuration

File and data migration with integrity verification

SSL certificate setup and HTTPS configuration

Backup strategy and automated backup configuration

Server monitoring and alerting setup

Admin console and user access migration

Post-migration testing, validation, and handover

Why experience matters

Your FileMaker Server should not be running on a Mac under someone's desk.

The most common FileMaker Server setups we inherit are an ageing Mac Mini in a server room, a Windows box that nobody has patched in two years, or a cloud VM running an operating system that was never optimised for headless server use. All of them are more expensive and less reliable than they need to be.

BasicData has been hosting and managing FileMaker Server infrastructure since 2018. We run FileMaker on Ubuntu for our own hosting environment and for client migrations. We know the platform, the common failure points, and how to configure it properly.

We are a registered member of the Claris FileMaker Business Alliance, the formal partner programme for professional FileMaker development companies.

Who we work with

FileMaker businesses running on infrastructure that is due for an overhaul.

Our migration clients range from businesses running FileMaker Server on an old Mac that is one hardware failure away from an outage, to IT teams who want to consolidate onto Linux infrastructure, to organisations moving from on-premise to cloud-hosted FileMaker. If your current server setup is costing too much or keeping you up at night, this is the fix.

Suited for

Retail & supply chain

Energy & offshore services

Medical & clinical practice management

Agriculture & commodity trading

Financial services & compliance

Food production & distribution

Based in Cape Town. Managing FileMaker Server migrations nationally and internationally. Server migrations are handled entirely remotely. We access your existing server, set up the new Ubuntu environment, run the migration, and hand over a fully documented system. No on-site visit required.

FAQ

Questions about migrating FileMaker Server to Ubuntu.

Compatibility, downtime, costs, and what happens after the migration.

Which versions of FileMaker Server support Ubuntu?

Claris introduced Ubuntu Linux support in FileMaker Server 19.2. All versions from 19.2 onwards support Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and later. If you are running an older version of FileMaker Server, a version upgrade is part of the migration process.

Will my existing FileMaker files work after the migration?

Yes. FileMaker database files are platform-independent. Your .fmp12 files, scripts, and layouts are unaffected by the underlying server operating system. The migration involves moving the server software, not the database structure.

How much downtime is involved?

For most migrations, planned downtime is under two hours. We set up and test the new Ubuntu server in parallel before any cutover. The actual switch is a DNS and connection string update once the new environment is verified.

Is Ubuntu Server actually more stable than Mac or Windows for FileMaker?

For a headless server running a single application, Ubuntu outperforms Mac and Windows on uptime and resource efficiency. There is no GUI overhead, automatic OS updates are controlled, and the server does not require a physical Mac or Windows licence.

How much cheaper is Ubuntu hosting?

Significant savings come from two areas: no Mac hardware refresh cycle and no Windows Server licence cost. A properly configured Ubuntu VPS or dedicated server running FileMaker costs substantially less per year than the equivalent Mac or Windows infrastructure.

Can you host and manage the Ubuntu server after migration?

Yes. We host FileMaker Server on Ubuntu infrastructure for clients across South Africa and internationally. Hosting includes server monitoring, automated backups, security updates, and FileMaker Server maintenance.

What if we want to manage the server ourselves after migration?

No problem. We document the full server configuration, hand over admin credentials, and provide a runbook covering routine maintenance tasks. We can also remain available on a light retainer for updates and troubleshooting.

Ready to talk?

Tell us about your current server setup.

Let us know what version of FileMaker Server you are running and what it is currently hosted on. We will tell you what the migration involves and what it costs.

Start a conversation →