You can use FileMaker Server to host a FileMaker database file as a data source, sharing your data with other applications using ODBC and JDBC. FileMaker Server allows up to 50 connections and supports local access (same computer) and remote access (both for middleware such as web servers and for remote client access from desktop productivity applications).
1. In FileMaker Pro Advanced, open the database and edit the privilege set for the accounts that will access the database. Enable the extended privilege Access via ODBC/JDBC. See FileMaker Pro Advanced Help.
Note If your FileMaker database solution uses more than one FileMaker database file, all of the database files must use this privilege set with the extended privilege Access via ODBC/JDBC enabled.
2. In FileMaker Server Admin Console, click the Connectors > ODBC / JDBC tab, then set ODBC / JDBC to Enabled.
3. Upload the database file. See Hosting databases.
Note If your FileMaker solution uses more than one FileMaker database file, all of the database files must be hosted on the same FileMaker Server deployment.
4. On each client computer that needs to access the hosted database, install and configure the FileMaker ODBC or JDBC client driver.
See FileMaker ODBC and JDBC Guide.