Hi.....just saw the FM 17 release, and having been away since FM15 was wondering if someone could describe the most cost-effective way to develop and deploy for a few users using Webdirect and FM GO for a non-profit. Do I need to purchase and host FM server 17? Is there a runtime? Also, was interested to look at the cloud version reviews on AWS...they weren't terribly favorable. Basically, I want to create the "gateway" deployment to get people hooked and allow them to incrementally step into a larger application
That's a pretty broad question, many facets to it.
Runtime: yes, it's still in the product but it has been on the deprecated list for a while now, so it will go away at some point. I wouldn't start building a business model on it.
Cloud: FM Cloud is part of the platform is makes for an easy entry into getting your own server without having to buy one and set it up. Or you can go with the full FM Server and host it in the cloud yourself (AWS, Azure,...).
Whether that is cost effective really depends on what your business model is, can't really say much beyond that. Not sure what you have in mind with "gateway deployment". Can you describe your ideal process in a bit more detail?