Web Services Manager allows any SOAP compatible software (including Java, .NET, Flash, PHP, Ruby, C , Python, etc.) to communicate with FileMaker Server without using proprietary FileMaker protocols. According to Jesse Barnum of 360Works, it offers developers, IT departments, businesses and industries a vast number of Web interface opportunities such as:

° Integration between information stored in a FileMaker database and existing Java, .NET or PHP web applications;

° Initiating production or distribution procedures by automatically notifying FileMaker when customers place online orders via web-based e-commerce systems;

° B2B integration with existing FileMaker solutions; it allows customers secure, real-time access to business-critical information stored in a FileMaker database, such as shipping info, inventory levels, or order statuses;

° The ability to publish FileMaker data within the enterprise; users can access real-time project milestone information in FileMaker through existing company-wide scheduling systems.

The 360Works Web Services Manager automatically generates a WSDL file (Web Services Description Language), which enables any SOAP compatible software to trigger FileMaker scripts, and the newly created SOAP Web Services published by the 360Works Web Services Manager are indistinguishable from any other SOAP server, says Barnum.

These scripts are triggered by communicating directly with the FileMaker Web Publishing XML gateway, bypassing intermediary layers such as the FileMaker PHP API or FX.PHP. Because of this, Barnum says there's no maximum limit on the number of records that can be returned by the FileMaker script. Web Services Manager also uses MTOM (Message Transmission Optimized Mechanism) for providing efficient access to data stored in FileMaker container fields. All Web Service information can be SSL encrypted if desired.

There are no plug-ins to install to use Web Services Manager, and the only requirements of the 360Works Web Services Manager are FileMaker Server or Server Advanced with version 9 or later and the Web Publishing Engine enabled.

The 360Works Web Services Manager is immediately available for download or purchase for US$695. The Web Services Manager is included in the 360Works Portfolio License bundle so existing 360Works Portfolio License holders can use their license key to register the 360Works Web Services Manager at no extra charge.

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