Chat Runtime
Configure which chat backend powers your conversations.
Summary
- Purpose: Choose between FileMaker-backed runtime or Ottomatic AI Runtime for processing chat conversations
- Audience: Admins, developers
- Prereqs: AI Accounts and Models configured
Overview
ProofChat supports two runtime modes that determine how your AI chat conversations are processed. Each runtime offers different capabilities, features, and trade-offs to suit various use cases and requirements.
Important: Changing runtime modes will reload the application to ensure a clean transition. Your conversation history is preserved across both modes.
FileMaker Runtime
What It Is
The FileMaker Runtime uses FileMaker's scripting engine to process AI chat conversations directly within your FileMaker solution. All AI processing happens through FileMaker scripts that call your configured AI provider.
Key Features
- Local FileMaker script execution: Chat requests are processed by FileMaker scripts
- Direct database integration: Messages are stored and retrieved directly from FileMaker tables
- No external server required: All processing happens within your FileMaker environment
- Full control over message state: Complete control over how messages are stored and managed
Best For
- Users who need FileMaker-only processing
- Deployments where external servers are not desired
- Situations requiring full control over message state and storage
- Available on all license types (free and Pro)
Limitations
- AI Provider Support: OpenAI only
- Streaming: Standard streaming performance
- Tool Features: Basic tool result handling (manual submission)
- Advanced Features: Limited to core chat functionality
Ottomatic AI Runtime
What It Is
The Ottomatic AI Runtime uses an external server to process AI requests with enhanced features and advanced streaming capabilities. This runtime provides a more flexible architecture that enables additional AI providers and advanced features.
Key Features
- Server-based AI processing: Requests are processed by external Ottomatic AI server
- Multiple AI provider support: Currently supports Anthropic and OpenAI, with more providers coming soon
- Enhanced streaming performance: Improved real-time response rendering
- Automatic tool result submission: Tools execute and submit results automatically without manual intervention
- Advanced Ottomatic AI features: Access to features like AI Script Editor
- Flexible foundation: Designed to support many more AI providers in the future
Best For
- Users who want access to multiple AI providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, and more coming)
- Deployments that can use external servers
- Users who need advanced features like AI Script Editor
- Situations requiring enhanced streaming and automatic tool handling
- Available on free license (with rate limits) and Pro
License Access
Free and Pro Access
Ottomatic AI Runtime is available on both free and Pro licenses:
- Free License: 25 requests per 24-hour period
- ProofChat Pro: Higher rate limits for production use
See Pricing and Licensing for details.
Requirements
- External server connectivity
- Internet access for AI API requests
Key Differences
| Feature | FileMaker Runtime | Ottomatic AI Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | FileMaker script execution | External server |
| AI Providers | OpenAI only | Anthropic, OpenAI (more coming soon) |
| Database Integration | Direct integration | Storage-only |
| External Server | Not required | Required |
| Streaming Performance | Standard | Enhanced |
| Tool Result Handling | Manual submission | Automatic submission |
| Advanced Features | Core functionality | AI Script Editor, advanced Ottomatic AI features |
| License Access | Free and Pro | Free (25 req/24hrs) and Pro (higher limits) |
| Future Provider Support | Limited | Expanding (more providers coming) |
Switching Runtimes
To change your runtime mode:
- Navigate to Settings → Chat Runtime
- Select your desired runtime:
- FileMaker Runtime - Click "Active" button (if not already active)
- Ottomatic AI Runtime - Click "Select" button (if not already active)
- Confirm the runtime switch
- The application will reload with the new runtime
Runtime Switch Notice
Switching runtime modes will reload the application to ensure a clean transition. Your conversation history is preserved across both modes - all threads and messages remain accessible regardless of which runtime you're using.
Which Runtime Should I Use?
Choose FileMaker Runtime If:
- You want all processing to stay within FileMaker
- You only need OpenAI as your AI provider
- External servers are not an option for your deployment
- You need maximum control over message state management
Choose Ottomatic AI Runtime If:
- You want to use Anthropic, OpenAI, or upcoming AI providers
- You need advanced features like AI Script Editor
- You want enhanced streaming performance
- You need automatic tool result submission
- You want access to the expanding provider ecosystem
Related
- AI Accounts and Models - Configure AI providers and models
- AI Script Editor - Generate FileMaker scripts with AI (requires Ottomatic AI Runtime)
- Pricing and Licensing - Understanding ProofChat license tiers
- License Management - Managing your ProofChat license