Using FileMaker with Address Book Server

Since FileMaker's database cannot be easily accessed from Java in any usable way we need to first configure MySQL as a proxy. Instruction on how to do this are provided here : MySQL Configuration. Once MySQL is configured the following steps cover the process of connection FileMaker, via ODBC to your Address Book Server database backend. If you require a reference to be included with the records to link back to any other databases you can either use a custom field or the notes field on the contacts. This would allow you to link to a contact rather then to it's ID. Bear in mind that ID are generated on the client(s) and can change. Typically they would not, but under special circumstances they can change. Using a custom field (Custom Field table) is a better approach as the link between the contact record in Address Book and any external databases is maintained.

FileMaker configuration

1. Add the ODBC link to the mysql server
   • on the server that runs Filemaker - Run "Applications/Utilities/ODBC Administrator.app"
   • goto the SystemDSN (the local one is irrelevant)
   • (assuming you have the FM driver installed) - Choose add & Choose a Open Source Driver (or whatever it is called)

2. Fill in a description (English - whatever you want people to see)
   • Press Continue
3. Fill in the server (most likely localhost)
   • port is 3306
4. Click "Advanced Options" and enter the socket file location
   • in my case it was /var/mysql/mysql.sock
   • how do you find this? Type mysql --help and copy/past e it from the line starting with "socket"
   • click OK
   • click Continue
5. Type the name of your database
   • press continue
6. Voila - it will try to connect
   • if MySQL is running the engine "innodb" it might not listed on port 3306 - can someone test this and report it back here?
   • to see if innodb is running - run the sql query "show variables" and it should list if have_innodb is enabled or disabled.

These instruction have kindly been provided by Etienne Bley.