Here’s What FileMaker Server Users Need to Know
As of April 30, 2025, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS has officially reached its End of Life (EOL). This means no more critical security updates or patches, putting any systems still running it at increasing risk.
If you’re running FileMaker Server 20 on Ubuntu 20, there’s a second important date approaching, too. Claris FileMaker Server 20 will reach its EOL in December 2025 and will also stop receiving updates or security fixes.
At Ottomatic, we’re already taking action to keep your systems secure and compliant. We are no longer able to deploy or redeploy FileMaker Servers running Ubuntu 20. If a system failure or rebuild is needed, the server will be moved to the next supported OS (Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04), which will only support Claris FileMaker 2024 (21) or 2025 (22).
Why This Matters
If you’re still using Ubuntu 20 and/or FileMaker Server 20, you’re now operating on an unsupported stack. That introduces serious risks:
- Security vulnerabilities: Without upstream patches, you’re exposed to new threats.
- Compliance violations: Many regulations require systems to be supported and up-to-date.
- Deployment limitations: We cannot restore a failed system to Ubuntu 20 or reinstall FileMaker Server 20 past its EOL.
- Compatibility issues: Newer OS versions won’t support older FileMaker Pro clients, meaning you could experience unexpected downtime unless you plan ahead.
This isn’t a policy change, rather a reality driven by upstream vendors.
According to sites like LinuxVox, Canonical’s decision to end free public support for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS impacts the entire Linux ecosystem. You will now need to pay for ESM (Extended Security Maintenance) to receive continued updates. Otherwise, you’re left unprotected, even against known CVEs. And if you’re using default Ubuntu repositories, they will begin disappearing from mirrors, making even basic package updates difficult.
What’s Changing?
| Component | Status |
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | EOL as of April 2025 – No more free security patches |
| FileMaker Server 20 | EOL in December 2025 – No patches, fixes, or support beyond that |
| Ottomatic Platform | All new deployments use Ubuntu 22/24 and FileMaker 21/22 |
Why You Should Act Now
Delaying your upgrade could result in:
- Longer downtime if your system crashes and needs rebuilding
- Loss of platform support (no more redeployments on outdated software)
- Inability to run legacy FileMaker clients on newer systems
- Rising technical debt and difficulty maintaining compatibility across your stack
By upgrading now, you gain:
- Ongoing security patches and platform stability
- Continued Ottomatic support and rapid recovery options
- Access to modern FileMaker features and performance improvements
- Peace of mind knowing you’re not at risk with unpatched vulnerabilities
Next Steps
The Ottomatic team is ready to guide you through this transition:
- Schedule a time to migrate your server to Ubuntu 22 or 24
- We will upgrade your FileMaker Server to 2024 (21) or 2025 (22)
- You will need to ensure compatibility with your FileMaker Pro clients
- This will minimize downtime with expert-led migration support
Schedule Your Upgrade Consultation
The sooner you act, the smoother your transition will be.
To get started:
Go to the Cloud Console and open a support ticket or Email support@ottomatic.cloud
Our team will help you assess your current environment and plan the best upgrade path to keep your systems secure and your business moving forward.