Question

Does the ArcGIS Server support Custom Formats?

Answer

Yes, with these steps:

On client computer:
  1. Copy the source dataset into a shared folder.
  2. Start ArcCatalog, Add Interop connection.
  3. Make a new custom format which refers to the source dataset using UNC path (\\<computer>\<dataset>)
  4. In workspace, add an AttributeCreator or GeometryCoercer to make it easier to distinguish it from the normal format.
  5. Save the workspace. The fds file goes to <user>\FME\Formats
  6. Create a Data Interop connection using the custom format.
  7. Copy the fds file into a shared folder.
  8. Start ArcMap, and add the layer in Data Interop connection.
  9. Verify this layer is custom format by using identify tool.
  10.     Save this map using Full path (File -> Document Properties -> Data source options)
  11.     In ArcCatalog, make a folder connection to the shared folder in UNC path (\\<computer>\<path>)
  12.     Publish the map from the folder connection. (You can't see it yet)
On ArcGIS Server:
  1. Set the server system environment variable (Variable: FME_SHARED_RESOURCE_DIR, Value: \\<computer>\<path>)

On client computer:
  1. Delete the published map service from ArcCatalog.
  2.  
  3. Re-publish the map, then you are able to see it.