How to Choose the Best FileMaker Hosting Option and Ensure Your Data Security in 2025

A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Data and Optimizing FileMaker Workflows Across Hosting Environments

Selecting the right FileMaker hosting environment is critical for safeguarding your company’s data, maximizing performance, and ensuring scalability. With FileMaker 2025 introducing new features, it’s more important than ever to compare hosting options and identify the setup that aligns with your organization’s goals.

In this guide, we break down the key differences between hosting models, highlight the latest security capabilities, and show how working with a trusted partner can help you implement FileMaker safely, efficiently, and with maximum ROI.

Choosing the Ideal FileMaker Hosting

Today’s businesses must strike a balance between control, convenience, and expert support. Each hosting model comes with unique advantages and considerations that impact security, maintenance, and productivity.

Here’s a closer look at the hosting options and practical considerations for deploying FileMaker efficiently, securely, and in a way that supports long-term scalability and performance.

FileMaker Server (On-Premise / Self-Hosted)

FileMaker Server is ideal for organizations that need full control over infrastructure and custom configurations. Developers benefit from advanced scripting capabilities, plug-in support, and complete access to the Admin Console, while IT teams can enforce internal security policies and tailored workflows.

On-premise hosting requires hardware investment, ongoing maintenance, and a skilled IT team to manage updates, patches, and automatic backup processes. It’s best suited for organizations that prioritize in-house data protection and customization.

Key Features:

• Complete control over hardware and software, including FileMaker Plug-ins and scripts.
  
  
• Full access to the Admin Console with advanced monitoring tools.
  
  
• Ability to configure local and future remote backups for enhanced protection.

Read more: What Is FileMaker? Features, Benefits and More

FileMaker Cloud

FileMaker Cloud offers a hands-off approach, hosting your files in an environment maintained by Claris with automated updates and backups. Teams can access their data from anywhere without managing servers, reducing operational overhead.

Some limitations exist, particularly around plug-in support and certain licensing differences compared to FileMaker Server. Still, Cloud is ideal for teams that value simplicity, speed of deployment, and hassle-free operation.

Key Features:

• Fully managed FileMaker Cloud hosting with no physical hardware required.
  
  
• Automatic updates, backups, and seamless scalability.
  
  
• Secure access from desktop, web, or mobile devices with minimal maintenance.

Partner Hosting

Partner Hosting combines control, customization, and expert support. As a Claris Platinum Partner, Codence offers full-service management, including system integration, plug-in support, and tailored solutions for secure, scalable FileMaker deployments. Our servers are hosted in the AWS EC2 environment and benefit from the security and reliability it provides.

Benefits:

• Maintains flexibility with plug-ins and advanced features without managing servers.
  
  
• Provides peace of mind through reliable monitoring, backups, and ongoing maintenance.

Key Features of Codence Partner Hosting:

• Fully managed hosting with continuous monitoring and automatic backups.
  
  
• Expert support for custom software development and system integration.
  
  
• Flexible environment to leverage plug-ins and advanced FileMaker functionality.

The New Security Standard

The strategic development of Remote Backup is a key focus for FileMaker Server. Historically, on-premise backups were limited to local volumes. While external solutions (like 360Works SafetyNet) have long filled the gap, Claris has announced plans to integrate a native Remote Backup feature for FileMaker Server. 

This upcoming capability is vital for organizations following the 3-2-1 backup strategy, as it will allow automatic offsite copies of your data to be stored securely in the cloud or on an SFTP server, significantly reducing risk.

Previously, backups were limited to local storage, requiring third-party tools or manual processes for off-site redundancy. The planned Remote Backup feature addresses this directly, promising the following advantages for FileMaker Server deployments:

Advantages:

• Store backups in multiple offsite locations.
  
  
• Added protection against hardware failures or local disasters.
  
  
• Compatible with third-party solutions.

Data Protection and Reliability: Why FileMaker is Enterprise-Grade

FileMaker provides enterprise-level security with encryption, external authentication, and granular privilege controls. Data is protected both at rest and in transit, meeting modern compliance requirements.

Whether hosted on FileMaker Cloud, on-premise, or with a certified partner like Codence, organizations benefit from:

• AES 256-bit encryption for data at rest: protects stored data with military-grade encryption, ensuring sensitive information remains secure even if physical storage is compromised.
  
  
• SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit: secures data moving between users and servers, preventing interception or tampering during transmission.
  
  
• External authentication options: Active Directory, Open Directory, OAuth 2.0: enables seamless login with existing identity systems, reducing password risks and simplifying access control.
  
  
• Granular user and group privilege management: allows precise control over who can view or modify specific records, minimizing security risks and supporting compliance.
  
  
• Reliable, scalable cloud or partner-hosted infrastructure: ensures consistent performance and uptime, with the ability to scale resources as your organization grows.

Claris maintains globally recognized security standards to ensure enterprise-grade protection, giving organizations confidence in their data management and cloud operations. Key certifications include:

• ISO 27001: Global information security management and protection against threats.
  
  
• SOC 2 Type 2: Ongoing validation of security, privacy, and integrity controls, particularly for cloud services.

Read more: How FileMaker Helps Reduce Compliance Risk in Manufacturing

Codence: Your Strategic Partner for Secure Hosting

Choosing Codence means gaining guidance through every stage of your FileMaker project. From calculating Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to evaluating hardware versus subscription options, Codence ensures your solution supports all business requirements, including plug-ins, QuickBooks or Avalara integrations, and proactive security monitoring.

Codence provides a range of strategic services to support secure, efficient, and fully optimized FileMaker implementations, including:

• Data Analytics & AI: Turn data into actionable insights with custom dashboards.
  
  
• Custom Software Development: Build applications tailored to your workflows with intelligent automation.
  
  
• System Integration: Connect FileMaker with AI tools, legacy systems, and other critical platforms.

To ensure your FileMaker 2025 project succeeds, schedule a consultation with Codence today and start implementing secure, efficient, and fully customized solutions for your organization.