FileMaker Cloud, FM Server Top Call, Environment’s Effect on Achievement
FileMaker Cloud Trial Subscription
Did you know there is a FileMaker Cloud trial subscription, and that it comes with a 15 day trial for the first instance? Not only that, but it is available with your choice of 5, 10, 25, or 100 users connections, and there is no hourly software charge from FileMaker. Of course, there will be hourly charges from Amazon, but those charges are pretty inexpensive for a 15 day period.
At the end of the trial, you can kill (delete) the instance, automatically convert to a paid hourly subscription, or unsubscribe and use your own license going forward.
So if you want to try FileMaker Cloud, now is the time to do it:
The following FileMaker Cloud subscriptions each come with a 15 day trial for the first instance:
- 5 user connections
- 10 user connections
- 25 user connections
- 100 user connections
There will be no hourly software charges for that instance, but Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure charges still apply. Free Trials will automatically convert to a paid hourly subscription upon expiration. If you unsubscribe from FileMaker Cloud or delete the instance before the trial period expires, the trial cannot be resumed for that subscription. You can begin a new Trial by selecting a different unused subscription (5, 10, 25 or 100 user connections).
Converting a FileMaker Cloud trial to BYOL
If you already own an annual FileMaker Server license, you may still subscribe to a trial in order to continue using your license with another server during the trial period. Before the trial is over, be sure to avoid extra charges by unsubscribing from the trial and converting your license to FileMaker Cloud BYOL.
- Download your databases from the FileMaker Cloud trial instance
- Unsubscribe from the trial instance via the Cloud Console > Subscriptions > Subscription Center > Get Instructions
- Subscribe to FileMaker Cloud BYOL.
What are you waiting for? Get on the Cloud.
FileMaker Server’s Top Call Statistics Log
And while you are at it, check out this very detailed post by Mislav Kov on using FileMaker Server’s Top Call Statistics log to analyze and speed up your server:
The top call stats log will give you a better shot at identifying the factors contributing to slow performance. For example, if you have a single table that everyone is writing to or searching against, then you would expect to see a lot of remote calls having to do with managing the locking of that table or the index. Another example: If you receive reports of FileMaker being slow for everyone, and if you spot a single client appearing in the top call stats log much more so than other clients, then you can investigate with that user to see what he or she is doing that is different from other users.
Source: FileMaker Server Top Call Statistics Log – Soliant Consulting
Environment Matters More Than Motivation (Sometimes)
Another pertinent article from James Clear about the effect of environment on your success (or lack thereof):
Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior. We tend to believe our habits are a product of our motivation, talent, and effort. Certainly, these qualities matter. But the surprising thing is, especially over a long time period, your personal characteristics tend to get overpowered by your environment.
Imagine trying to grow tomatoes in a Canadian winter. You can be the most talented farmer in the world, but it won’t make a difference. Snow is a very poor substitute for soil.
Clear relies on Jared Diamond’s award winning book, Guns, Germs, and Steel, to set his premise. Long story short, it has to do with, of all things, the orientation of continents and the effect on agriculture. If you haven’t read that book, it’s something you I highly recommend you do. It helps you understand the sometimes drastic differences in human behavior resulting from small differences the climate, physical features, and natural resources. It’s a fascinating read.
And while Diamond works from a larger perspective (the effect of different factors on civilizations), the effect of your environment on your work is just as important. And that could be holding you back despite your best efforts.
I think there’s something to his theory
Speaking from my own recent change of address (I moved from the east side of Albuquerque to the west side), the view from my new backyard and office window is a definite improvement in my environment:
Even when a spring snow storm blows into town:
I am definitely motivated to keep this mood enhancing view.
PS: The feature photo at the top of this post is a drone photo from above our house, taken by my son Jon using his new drone. He just passed the commercial drone pilot’s test and is off on what he hopes is a new career, one he able to do from his wheelchair!
No computer has ever been designed that is ever aware of what it’s doing; but most of the time, we aren’t either.