02/21/2010 - Anyone who walks into my home knows that I love books; the piano room, where my beloved grand sits waiting for my attention, is perched in front of a wall-to-wall bookcase filled with all sorts of books. Unfortunately, I can’t say that they’re all “great” books... especially after a couple of days ago. I’ll elaborate:



01/26/2010 - I’ve been using RingCentral VOIP for a few months now, and will probably never go back to a traditional landline again. The other day I started doing some research to find out how to make phone calls directly from a FileMaker database, using my RingCentral account. The solution was much simpler than I thought it would be.



01/03/2010 - Happy New Year 2010!

I hope you're taking the time to crack a book here and there; there's nothing like spending a few good hours soaking up the wisdom of a great writer.

On my side table this week I have a few books worthy of note; several are tech books that I recommend to anyone in IT or social media business:



12/26/2009 - It is a month to the day from the rumored announcement of what I consider to be the most game-changing device yet to come from Apple, Inc. Granted, that is a huge statement, considering the history of this amazing company that has revolutionized the computer industry time and again with its consistent new paradigms for personal and business computing.



11/18/2009 - My son Steven got a book diary for his 13th birthday (yes, I now have a teenager in my house); I told him it would be interesting to have a history of the books he’s read, so that when he gets old like his Dad, he can reminisce about some of the fine books he’s read.

This got me to thinking that it might be fun to share the titles that I’m reading with others, so I’m going to start this more-or-less weekly posting of the latest books I’m reading. I’ve got some great ones on my nightstand this week, and hope you’ll find this useful.

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 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.