WhiteSpace Systems Ltd provides end-to-end software development and IT services from our base in Bathgate, West Lothian. We work with businesses across Scotland and the UK, building bespoke applications that solve real operational problems. Every engagement starts with understanding your workflows — not selling you a product. Below is a detailed breakdown of what we offer.

Certified developers building powerful custom databases and business logic.

Web Development

Responsive websites and web applications that integrate with your systems.

Business Consultation

Strategic advice on software choices, workflow optimisation, and digital transformation.

IT Support

Ongoing technical support, troubleshooting, and system maintenance.

Data Backup

Automated backup solutions protecting your critical business data.

Cloud Solutions

Cloud hosting, migration, and infrastructure for anytime, anywhere access.

FileMaker is the backbone of what we do. As certified Claris FileMaker developers, we design and build custom database applications that handle everything from stock management and invoicing to complex multi-site ERP systems. FileMaker is a rapid application development platform, which means we can deliver working software faster than traditional development — without sacrificing depth or capability. If your business runs on spreadsheets, paper forms, or disconnected tools, a bespoke FileMaker solution can consolidate your operations into a single, reliable system.

We work across FileMaker 16 and above, making full use of the platform's native JSON functions, the FileMaker Data API, cURL integration, and ExecuteSQL. These aren't surface-level implementations — we build robust business logic into the schema itself, with scripted workflows that enforce data integrity, automate repetitive tasks, and reduce human error. For teams that need browser-based access, we deploy through FileMaker WebDirect, giving users a full application experience without installing any software. For organisations that need mobile access, FileMaker Go on iPad and iPhone provides a native client that syncs seamlessly with the server.

We also handle FileMaker Server administration, including deployment on-premises, on cloud-hosted virtual machines, and on Claris FileMaker Cloud. Whether you're starting from scratch or inheriting an ageing FileMaker system built by someone else, we can architect a clean solution or refactor what you have into something maintainable and future-proof.

Key deliverables

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Custom FileMaker applications tailored to your business processes
Data API integrations with third-party systems (REST, webhooks, OAuth)
WebDirect deployment for browser-based access across your organisation
FileMaker Server installation, configuration, and hardening
Legacy FileMaker system audits, refactoring, and version upgrades
Scripted automation for invoicing, reporting, email alerts, and data imports
Multi-site and multi-tenancy architectures for organisations with distributed teams

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Not every solution belongs inside FileMaker. When a project calls for a public-facing website, a customer portal, or a web application that needs to integrate with existing systems, we build it using modern web technologies. Our front-end work is built with React, delivering fast, accessible, single-page applications that work across all devices. We write clean, semantic HTML and CSS — no bloated frameworks, no unnecessary JavaScript — with a focus on performance and search engine visibility.

On the back end, we build RESTful APIs that connect your web applications to the data sources that matter. That might mean pulling records from a FileMaker database via the Data API, integrating with a third-party service like Stripe or Xero, or building a standalone Node.js API that serves your web and mobile clients. We handle authentication, input validation, error handling, and rate limiting — the things that keep production systems secure and stable.

We also build static and server-rendered sites for businesses that need a fast, reliable web presence without the overhead of a CMS. Every site we deliver is responsive, performs well on mobile, meets WCAG accessibility standards, and is structured for strong SEO. If you already have a website that needs improvement — whether that's a redesign, a performance overhaul, or adding new functionality — we can work with your existing codebase or start fresh.

Key deliverables

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React single-page applications with responsive, mobile-first design
RESTful API development and integration (Node.js, Express)
FileMaker Data API integration for web-connected database applications
Third-party API integrations (payment gateways, accounting software, CRMs)
Static site builds optimised for performance, SEO, and accessibility
Progressive web app features for offline capability and installability
Website redesign, performance audits, and codebase refactoring

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Before writing a single line of code, we need to understand how your business actually works. Our consultation service is designed to bridge the gap between your operational reality and the software that supports it. We sit down with your team — managers, administrators, the people who use the systems daily — and map out your current workflows in detail. Where does data enter the business? Where does it get stuck? What tasks are being done manually that could be automated? What reports do you need that you currently can't produce?

From that analysis, we produce clear, practical recommendations. Sometimes the answer is a bespoke application. Sometimes it's a reconfiguration of tools you already have. Sometimes it's a phased digital transformation plan that moves you from legacy systems to modern platforms over a realistic timeline. We're not tied to any vendor or product — our recommendations are based purely on what will work best for your specific situation, team size, and budget.

For businesses going through growth, restructuring, or a shift to remote working, this kind of strategic technology planning is essential. We've helped organisations across Scotland — from small creative studios to national charities — identify the right tools and processes to support their next phase. The consultation can stand alone as a one-off engagement, or it can be the first step in a longer development project.

Key deliverables

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On-site or remote workflow analysis and process mapping
Technology audit of existing systems, tools, and data flows
Software recommendations with cost-benefit analysis
Digital transformation roadmaps with phased implementation plans
Requirements specification documents for bespoke development projects
Data migration strategy for moving between platforms
Staff workflow documentation and system usage guides

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Building software is only half the picture. Once a system is live, it needs to be maintained, monitored, and updated. Our IT support service covers ongoing maintenance for the applications and infrastructure we build, as well as support for existing systems that need a reliable pair of hands. We provide scheduled maintenance windows, proactive server monitoring, and rapid response when something goes wrong.

For FileMaker Server environments, this means monitoring CPU and memory usage, checking backup schedules, reviewing server logs, applying Claris security patches, and managing SSL certificates. For web applications, it means keeping dependencies up to date, monitoring uptime, reviewing error logs, and deploying updates with zero downtime. We use staging environments and version control for every deployment — nothing goes live without being tested first.

We understand that downtime costs money. If your team relies on a system to do their jobs, that system needs to be available when they need it. Our support agreements are straightforward — no jargon-heavy SLAs, no hidden costs. We agree a response time, a scope of work, and a monthly or quarterly retainer that covers routine maintenance plus a set number of support hours. For issues outside the retainer, we quote transparently before any work begins.

Key deliverables

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Scheduled server maintenance and health checks
FileMaker Server monitoring (CPU, memory, backups, logs)
SSL certificate management and renewal
Security patching and dependency updates
Zero-downtime deployments via staging environments
Bug fixes, troubleshooting, and incident response
Monthly or quarterly support retainer agreements

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Every business that depends on digital data needs a backup strategy — and "we copy the files to a USB drive once a week" does not count. We design and implement automated backup systems that protect your data against hardware failure, accidental deletion, ransomware, and human error. The goal is simple: if the worst happens, you can recover quickly and completely, with minimal data loss.

For FileMaker Server environments, we configure the built-in backup schedules alongside external backup scripts that copy verified backups to offsite locations. We test restores regularly — a backup that hasn't been tested is not a backup. We implement retention policies that balance storage costs against recovery needs, keeping daily backups for a rolling window, weekly backups for longer-term access, and monthly snapshots for archival purposes.

Beyond FileMaker, we set up backup strategies for web servers, databases, file shares, and cloud-hosted infrastructure. We use encrypted, versioned backups stored across multiple geographic locations so that a single point of failure cannot wipe out your recovery options. For businesses with compliance requirements — whether that's UK GDPR, financial regulations, or sector-specific standards — we ensure that your backup and disaster recovery plan meets the necessary criteria and is documented for audit purposes.

Key deliverables

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Automated backup schedules for FileMaker Server and web infrastructure
Offsite and cloud-based backup storage with encryption
Backup verification and regular test restores
Retention policies (daily, weekly, monthly rotation)
Disaster recovery planning and documentation
Compliance-ready backup procedures for GDPR and regulatory requirements
Monitoring and alerting for failed or missed backups

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Moving to the cloud is not just about hosting your files on someone else's server. Done properly, it means your team can access business-critical systems from anywhere, your infrastructure scales with demand, and your data is protected by enterprise-grade security. We help businesses migrate from on-premises servers to cloud-hosted environments, primarily using Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Claris FileMaker Cloud.

For FileMaker users, FileMaker Cloud provides a fully managed hosting environment on AWS, with built-in backups, automatic updates, and Claris ID authentication. It removes the overhead of managing your own server hardware and ensures your team can access their applications securely from any location. For organisations that need more control or run additional services alongside FileMaker, we provision and configure custom AWS instances — EC2 for compute, S3 for storage, RDS for relational databases, and CloudFront for content delivery.

We handle the full migration process: auditing your current infrastructure, planning the move to minimise disruption, configuring the cloud environment, migrating your data and applications, testing thoroughly, and cutting over with a rollback plan in place. Post-migration, we provide monitoring and support to ensure everything runs smoothly. For businesses already in the cloud, we offer infrastructure reviews to identify cost savings, performance improvements, and security hardening opportunities.

Key deliverables

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AWS infrastructure setup and configuration (EC2, S3, RDS, CloudFront)
Claris FileMaker Cloud deployment and administration
On-premises to cloud migration with minimal disruption
Cloud infrastructure security hardening and access control
Cost optimisation reviews for existing AWS environments
VPN and remote access configuration for distributed teams
Post-migration monitoring, support, and performance tuning

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Every project begins with a conversation. Whether you have a clear brief or just an idea that needs shaping, get in touch and we'll discuss how we can help. There's no obligation and no hard sell — just a straightforward chat about what you need and whether we're the right fit.

Get in Touch

Our Services

FileMaker Development

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Web Development

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Business Consultation

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IT Support

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Data Backup

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Cloud Solutions

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