When Should You Actually Upgrade FileMaker Server?
New FileMaker Server version just dropped. Should you upgrade immediately or wait? Here's how to decide without the marketing hype.
The Upgrade Question
Claris releases a new FileMaker Server version every summer. And every summer, we are asked the same question: “Should we upgrade?”
Marketing says yes. Your budget says maybe. IT wants nothing to break.
Here’s how to actually decide.
Support Lifecycle
Claris supports the current FileMaker Server version plus two previous major versions—roughly two years per version. After end-of-life: no updates, no security patches, no support. That means if anything breaks, you’re on your own with your production environment down.
Check the Claris support policy to see where your version stands.
The Real Cost of Upgrading
It’s not just the license. Here’s what you’re actually paying for:
Direct costs:
- Downtime during migration
Hidden costs:
- Server Connectors that need updating or replacing
- Data API integration changes—Claris occasionally modifies API behavior, authentication methods, or response formats between versions. If you have external systems connecting to your server via the Data API, they may stop working after an upgrade until you update them to match the new API behavior.
- Time spent troubleshooting unexpected issues
Good Reasons to Upgrade
Security Vulnerabilities
This is non-negotiable. Claris doesn’t backport security fixes to older versions. If there’s a vulnerability in your version, upgrading is your only fix.
Check the Claris security bulletins. If your version is mentioned, upgrade.
Performance Improvements
Each server version typically includes performance optimizations—better memory management, improved caching for WebDirect. Check the release notes and community forums for real-world reports before assuming the upgrade will help your specific workload.
Your Version Is Approaching End-of-Life
Don’t wait until your version is unsupported. Plan your upgrade before you’re running software that won’t receive security patches.
We Handle the Testing
When you host with radFM, we test new FileMaker Server versions before offering them to customers. By the time we make a new version available, we’ve already verified compatibility and stability. You can upgrade with confidence knowing the server has been vetted.
If you have Server Connectors or Data API integrations, we’ll work with you to test those before migrating your production environment.
The Bottom Line
Upgrade when security requires it or when your version is losing support. Don’t run unsupported software in production—the risk isn’t worth it.