What are the alternatives to FileMaker Cloud?

Claris FileMaker Cloud vs On-Premises or Private Cloud Hosting: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Claris FileMaker Cloud is a great option for many, but sometimes businesses need more flexibility, support, and control over their FileMaker hosting.   Here we look at the trade-offs between Claris FileMake Cloud, On-Premises and Private Cloud Hosting options (such as DataTherapy's FileMaker.host service).  All options provide access to the same powerful FileMaker platform — but each has distinct advantages depending on your business size, data governance needs, and IT strategy.

Claris FileMaker Cloud

Pros

• Zero server management: Claris handles all server maintenance, backups, and updates automatically.
• Fast setup: Your FileMaker system can be online and accessible within hours.
• Secure by design: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest, with industry-standard AWS infrastructure.
• Automatic updates: Always running the latest Claris Server version without downtime or patching.
• Global accessibility: Designed for reliable access from anywhere with an internet connection.

Cons

• Subscription-only licensing: FileMaker Cloud requires Claris ID licensing and does not support perpetual licences.  Licensing and hosting is paid annually in advance.
• Limited customisation: You can’t install plugins, custom connectors, or other software directly on the server.
• Restricted control: Backups, SSL management, and advanced configuration are controlled by Claris, not the user.
• Geographic limitations: Data is stored in AWS regions defined by Claris — not always ideal for clients with strict data residency requirements.
• WebDirect performance: May not be as fast as a dedicated UK-based FileMaker Server for high-traffic WebDirect users whom need multiple web worker machines (i.e. RAIC) deployment.
• Single OS platform offered.  Ubuntu Linux only.

On-Premises or Private Cloud Hosting

Pros

• Full control: You manage your backups, SSL certificates, and updates according to your policies.
• Customisation freedom: Install server-side plugins, API connectors, or other 3rd party applications and services alongside FileMaker Server.
• Data residency assurance: Host your data within the UK (or your chosen jurisdiction) to meet regulatory or client requirements.
• Performance optimisation: Tailor CPU, RAM, and storage for your system’s workload and user count.
• Integration flexibility: Easier to connect to other local systems, web services, or legacy infrastructure.
• Multiple platforms offered.  Host on Window Server, macOS or Ubuntu Linux.

Cons

• Maintenance overhead: You’re responsible for system updates, monitoring, and backups — unless using a managed service.
• Initial setup time: Requires configuration and potentially hardware procurement.
• Higher upfront costs: Typically more capital-intensive, though long-term costs can be lower than cloud subscriptions.
• Scalability planning: You must plan for growth in user numbers or data storage in advance.

DataTherapy's FileMaker.host service

Pros

• Fully Managed Service: DataTherapy handles all server maintenance, backups, and updates automatically and can alter the cadence of these update inline with client requirements, quality assurance and security policy.
• Guided Set-up: Additional support can be provided to assist with complex server or client deployments.
• Flexible & Modular Security Design: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest, with industry-standard AWS infrastructure and assistance can be provided to wrap around VPN, 2FA or firewall IP address restrictions.
• Consultancy Fall Back Support: Some performance issues are more readily and economical to resolve by amending the design of an existing FileMaker App or approach to data archiving, rather than simply throwing more compute resource.

Cons

• UK Local Support: for now we only provide enhanced assistance Mon-Fri 9am-5pm GMT.

The DataTherapy Advantage

At DataTherapy, we believe we can offer the best of both worlds.

As a Claris Platinum Partner and experts in FileMaker Cloud and private hosting, we can:

✅ Help you choose the right deployment strategy for your business.

✅ Migrate existing systems safely between on-premise and cloud environments.

✅ Provide UK-based, managed FileMaker hosting with no setup fees and flexible hosting plans.

✅ Support and maintain your FileMaker Server so your team can stay focused on results regardless of where it is located.