fmDataGuard is an audit log application specifically for FileMaker (Pro 8.5+, Server 8.0v4+) databases. In brief, the product logs all field-level changes (adds, changes, deletes) made to FileMaker DB data; and, as a result of those logged actions, provides the ability to roll the data forward (to catch up to the current state of the DB following a crash and prior backup restore), or roll the data backward to a known good state (in the event of DB corruption, for example).

The vendor notes that the product does not require the creation and maintenance of shadow fields or tables for database change information. Rather, a single field must be added to each table to be protected, as well as the addition of a Limited Deletion Access Privilege calculation per table per privilege set. The actual audit data itself is stored in a separate AuditLog Table, each of which can cover one or more database files (the vendor recommends that this table be implemented in a separate file on a separate machine from your production DB, to decrease the likelihood that it would be damaged in the event the main DB crashes). The table itself is provided in an example file by the vendor and can be copied into any desired DB. Each DB file to be protected must then contain a Table Occurrence to the base AuditLog table.

Once implemented, the AuditLog can be initialized to capture the initial state of the DB; and from then on captures all changes to the data including adds, changes, or deletes. Included tools enable data states to be rolled forward or backwards based on this data; and the vendor states that all data change operations are captured including imports, replace routines, xDBC and Instant/Custom Web Publishing. (The vendor does note one limitation of the program in that users will not be able to delete audited records through IWP.)

Other features include:

- Support for the addition of custom log events; such as the logging of login/logout actions, layout navigations, or report generation

- Support for transaction level rollbacks, via the setting of a Transaction ID flag included in the audit log.

New features in the latest release of fmDataGuard include the ability to log data views as well as data changes for extended compliance purposes (the application will keep a log of all those who have viewed protected data); and support for SQL Execution, allowing developers to send dynamic SQL queries and execute remote functions directly to FileMaker.

fmDataGuard is available now; in three license flavors. A per-server license is priced at $1,250; while a per seat license is offered at $150. Finally, a vertical application developer license--enabling developers to deploy fmDataGuard and its capabilities within their applications--is priced at $1,850 per application.

Visit the WorldSync Web site for further information.

product submission by DatabaseJournal Staff

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