07/26/2010 - When the Apple iPhone was released to the world in 2007, we FileMaker developers immediately saw an ideal platform for FileMaker Pro. A third-party solution was released that allowed users to put their databases on the iPhone, but the solution wasn't simple for use, and had limitations that discouraged me from recommending it to my clients or implementing in any solutions.



07/25/2010 - My son Steven and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Europe. We were in London for 5 days, during which we took a day trip down to see Stonehenge, Glastonbury (where legends say that King Arthur lived), and Avebury. From London we took the high-speed train under the English Channel to Paris, where we stayed another 5 days, during which we took a day trip to Normandy to see the D-Day landing beaches and surrounding area. All in all, it was a great trip and a wonderful experience for my son and me.

This was also my first extended trip with my Apple iPad; I’ve taken some short business trips, but nothing this long or challenging fo Internet connections. I learned some valuable lessons about international travel with the iPad and iPhone, which I will share here.



07/03/2010 - Recently I had occasion to look for an air-conditioning installer, and was faced with the challenge of finding the perfect combination of price, reliability, reputation, and speed.

I've been using the same company for about 6 years; they have lots of trucks, a squad of repairmen and installers, but I know that I pay a large premium for the availability. I consider their expertise, my experiences with them to this point, and I now question whether the extra money I've paid has actually been worth it.

I've been giving some thought lately to what clients really want from consultants. As an extension to this line of thought, I've also come up with a list of what experience has taught me to be the most important qualifications to a successful developer.



04/24/2010 - I recently tried out Tony White's excellent ScriptBuildingBlocks tool for FileMaker, and was immediately hooked on the new abilities it offers to FileMaker developers who work on the Mac platform.

ScriptBuildingBlocks is a tool that allows its users to instantly insert sets of script steps into the script editor. The utility comes with 14 prebuilt templates, but I quickly learned how to add my own and edit the existing templates. Included in the SBB set are shortcuts for creating script steps for common structures like IF-ELSE IF-ELSE-END IF, LOOP-END LOOP, LOOP PORTAL-END LOOP, set variable to get(scriptParameter), and many more. There are also some shortcuts for adding comments, a date-stamped comment, and others.



04/15/2010 - Friends and clients know that for the past 6 months I’ve been frantically building a database solution for a new museum attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The second of their museums, Titanic Pigeon Forge is a wonderful tourist destination for families; as a longtime fan of Titanic lore, I found it intriguing and captivating.

About Longterm Solutions

Longterm Solutions was founded in 1986 by programmer and studio musician Bob Patin.

As a professional pianist and synthesist, Bob traveled with different recording artists, most notably The Everly Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Jerry Reed, and Ray Price. He has played on thousands of recording sessions, including albums by Alabama, Sawyer Brown, Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed, Pam Tillis, Crystal Gayle, and many others.

Bob has played for 4 Presidents: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, George Bush, and Ronald Reagan, and has traveled worldwide as a touring musician.

The list of artists for whom he has played includes almost every big name in country music, and many from other genres as well. He has played concerts on 4 continents and continues to tour infrequently.

As a programmer and computer consultant, Bob has built Longterm Solutions from a one-man startup to a thriving company offering a variety of computer-related services.

Bob Patin is a FileMaker 11, 10 and 9 Certified Developer, and member of FileMaker Business Alliance and FileMaker TechNet.

Commercial Applications

Bob has written many commercially-available applications which are sold nationwide and used by musicians and music professionals all over the U.S. and in Europe. Longterm Solutions has designed and hosts almost 180 web sites, web database sites, and more than 200 FileMaker databases.

Longterm Solutions Servers

Longterm Solutions' server room is protected by a state of the art security system, which is monitored 24 hours a day.

Our network uses all Apple Mac servers, which are a combination of Xserves and G5 towers.

Our connection to the Internet backbone is provided by a bonded pair of T1 lines, which provides 3.0kbps of consistent connectivity.

Our servers are supported by a natural-gas generator, which starts automatically in the event of a power failure. Several UPS systems provide battery power during the 30-45 seconds during which the backup generator is starting.

All databases are backed up hourly; in addition, databases are backed up to DVD-R every 6 days, and stored in a fire vault. Approximately once per month, a copy of the database backups is moved to a safe-deposit box at a local bank.

FileMaker Database Solutions

Longterm Solutions uses the FileMaker Pro database application to develop cross-platform solutions for clients. These solutions can be easily ported to the web, providing worldwide access to any client or customer with a web browser. Longterm Solutions provides complete web database hosting services on its servers, which are located in Brentwood, Tennessee. Databases can also be hosted on one of several FileMaker Server machines, for access by clients who travel or who are located in multiple cities.

Web Site Development

Longterm Solutions develops and hosts web sites for clients; if you are interested in having a site developed for your personal or business needs, contact us for pricing and additional information.

Custom application and database development has been a mainstay for Longterm Solutions in the 90s and into this century. For references, please contact us and we'll be glad to provide you with the names of clients who would be glad to speak with you.

Longterm Solutions is an Associate Member of the FileMaker Business Alliance, a group of professional FileMaker developers dedicated to bringing world-class solutions to the business world.