FileMaker - Different Versions and Features

At present, FileMaker is one of the most widely used cross-platform relational database applications in the market. As it is designed by integrating a database engine with a GUI interface, FileMaker makes it easier for developers to create custom applications by dragging different elements into the form, screen or layout. But FileMaker was originally launched as a DOS-based application called Nutshell in early 1980s. The product was subsequently purchased by Claris, and renamed as FileMaker II. Thus, the versions of FileMaker can be divided into pre-FileMaker 6 and post-FileMaker 6.

Evolution of FileMaker as a Cross-Platform Relational Database Application

Version 4.0

In 1997, FileMaker 4.0 was released with a plug-in architecture. The version was designed just like Adobe Photoshop. The plug-in architecture enables developers to add custom features to the application. At the same time, the users also have option to use FileMaker as a web server using a bundled plug-in called Web Companion. The version 4.0 also allowed programmers to perform several file operations, along with sharing FileMaker files over the web or intranet.

Version 7

In 2004, FileMaker 7 was released with a new file format which supported file size up to 8 terabytes. The version also allowed individual fields to hold binary data up to 4 gigabytes or 2 gigabytes of 2-byte Unicode text per record. The enhanced relational model now enabled programmers to offer multiple tables for file. Also, the users have option to manipulate the related tables through a graphical relationship editor.

Version 8

The FileMaker 8 product family was introduced in 2005. The FileMaker 8 product family enabled developers to avail a number of advanced features like script variables, custom menus, tabbed interface, tooltips and enhanced debugging. Also, the users have option to copy and paste scripts, script steps, and whole tables and field definitions. The new features made it easier for developers to create custom database applications according to client’s specific requirements.

Version 9

FileMaker 9 was introduced in 2007 with a number of new features including conditional formatting, fluid layout auto-resizing, external SQL link, and hyperlinked pointers into databases. The Quick Start screens provided by FileMaker 9 further made it easier for users to access and update the database application in a quicker and more efficient way. The version also allowed uses to share images, documents, spreadsheets and other content of a field through emails.

Version 10

FileMaker 10 was released in 2009 with a completely revamped user interface. It came with a status bar that displayed some of the commonly used tools at the fingertip. Also, the version 10 came with a number of new features like script triggers, saved finds and dynamic report. It further allowed users to send emails directly through the SMTP server without using any additional email client.

Version 11 and 12

FileMaker 11 was released in 2010, whereas FileMaker 12 was introduced in 2012. The version 12 streamlined some of the major features introduced with FileMaker 11. FileMaker 11 allowed users to quickly create reports in a spreadsheet-like format, and make the reports appealing using a variety of charts. It further enabled users to search for information just like initiating web searches. FileMaker 12 made it easier for developers to accomplish precise design by using a variety of design layout tools. The version also included a variety of scripts, themes and design tools for iOS development. These versions also came with several new themes and database templates. FileMaker 12 further made it easier for programmers to create iOS databases.

Version 13

The most recent version of FileMaker was released in 2013. FileMaker 13 supports several web and mobile methods of data access. It further allows developers to create custom themes using colors, font, text size and similar attributes. The programmers can further create new fields, and drag and drop multiple fields directly into the layout. They can further reuse the custom themes across different projects. The version further optimizes the security of data using AES 256-bit encryption.

At present, users have option to choose from four distinct versions of FileMaker 13 according to their specific needs. Each user can chose FileMaker Pro 13, FileMaker Pro Advanced 13, FileMaker Server 13 or FileMaker Go 13. The features of each version of FileMaker 13 differ, along with the targeted users. So it is important for the user to compare the features of each version of FileMaker 13 according to his requirements.

We provide FileMaker development services. If you would like to hire FileMaker developers for your development needs, please contact Mindfire Solutions. 

Tips to Work with FileMaker Pro 13

As an efficient relational database application, FileMaker Pro is used by enterprises in cross-platform environments. FileMaker Pro 13 further comes with several new features to help programmers in creating a variety of custom business solutions for various devices. Along with new design, development and security features, the latest version of the relational database application also comes with several features to rapidly create applications for iPhone and iPad. However, it is important for new users to understand some tips and tricks to work with FileMaker Pro 13 more efficiently.

Tips for Designing Custom Solutions in FileMaker Pro 13

Understand Different Ways to Create a File

FileMaker Pro allows you to create databases in a number of ways. You can create a new file from the scratch or create a new file by importing data from another application. FileMaker allows you to import data stored as XML, Microsoft Excel and Tab-Separated Text (.tab or .txt). Likewise, you also have option to convert an older version of FileMaker Pro file. Also, you can create the file using Starter Solutions (templates). When you understand different ways to create a new file, it will be easier for you to decide the most appropriate method for creating a new file.

Use Field Picker to Define Database Fields

After crating the new database, you can use the Field Picker dialog box to define the fields in simple and quick way. The dialog box can also be used for adding or changing fields for an existing layout. Once you define the fields using Field Picker, they will be added to the Manage Database dialog box. However, you use the Field Picker to define fields for the current layout of the current table in FileMaker Pro. The dialog box will allow you to decide the field configuration through options like labels and field placement.

Use Field Picker to Control Fields

In addition to creating new fields, the Field Picker dialog box can also be used for deleting and modifying existing fields. While in Layout Mode you can always access the dialog box by clicking on the "Field Picker" button displayed in the status toolbar. After selecting one or more fields, you can simply right-click or control-click on them and select the Delete Field option. Likewise, you can choose the field type by choosing the new field type from the list. You can further choose the Field Options after right-clicking on the specific theme.

Use Themes to Make the Database Solution Look Professional

FileMaker Pro 13 allows you to use themes to provide professional look to the business solution. As a collection of coordinated styles, a theme allows you to easily define various attributes of the layout including color, font, background, parts and objects. You can further use the theme to provide a consistent look to both layouts and reports. The theme can be further changed for a layout in the Layout mode. You also have option to save the theme in a new name after incorporating desired changes. You must know how to use and manipulate themes to make your application look more professional.

Keep the Layout and Navigation Simple

Along with making the layout look professional, it is also important to keep it simple. You must make it a practice to avoid adding additional fields and objects to the layout. Likewise, you need to remove the fields and layout objects that will be used by the users rarely. If it is required to use secondary fields and layout objects, you can consider removing them from the main layout. You can move the secondary fields to another layout, or separate them using tab panels or slide panels. While designing the solution, you must keep the navigation option simple and fast. The users must be able to navigate without putting any extra time and effort. Instead of using buttons, you can consider using icons to covey the information to users without labeling.

While creating custom business solutions using FileMaker Pro 13, the developers must not forget to avail styles, custom themes and layout enhancements. The new features will help them in improving the application’s look, feel and performance without writing longer lines of code while doing FileMaker development.

We provide FileMaker database development service. If you would like to hire Filemaker developers for your database development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Does Filemaker score over Bento in user friendliness ?

According to Katsunori Shigeta, a FileMaker Database Developer & Trainer, the big difference among FileMaker & Bento happens to be its mechanism of relationship. FileMaker is able to deal with a lot of different relationship. Bento likewise has easy relationship, but it is enforced and can not be changed by user. He further explained exactly what the "relationship" means? It means connection in between the tables. And the table means the place of storage data, along with row & column. It is just like bookshelf. When you need to deal with real world data (for instance consumer, product, or perhaps transaction), one particular table will manage just one real world entity. Consumer table will manage consumer's data alone, product table works only with product's data. If you wish to handle several entity, such as consumers & products, or perhaps students and classes, make sure you consider relationship in between such entities. You may function many kind of entities on the FileMaker, however, Bento includes various limitation. If you'd like to create address book, Bento is a great one. Simply because address book handle person as well as their attribute. If you would like to manage two or more entities, and then make relationship among them, FileMaker is definitely is a good option. it isn't very simple, however as soon as you have an understanding of distinction between "table" & "table occurrence" with FileMaker terms, it isn't really difficult.

There were lots of opinions over the Mac App Store regarding the current version in Bento to become quite disappointing. Is that FileMaker thinking about phasing it out? FileMaker, Inc. reported that it might discontinue Bento so that it could put the focus on the FileMaker product family. It will eventually carry on supporting for Bento till July 30, 2014. FileMaker does not provides the Bento consumer products. It was informed that they'll give tech support for the Bento products through 30^th July, 2014. This particular change had been a part of the greater concentration on the FileMaker products. FileMaker Pro are going to be suitable for different users of the Bento for the Mac. They encourage Bento for the Mac consumers to see their "Is FileMaker Pro Right For You?" page to find out distinctions between Bento & FileMaker Pro and also to download a cost-free trial of the FileMaker Pro.

In case you are using Bento, it will continue to provide what you need for a long period. When you choose to export your data from the Bento to some other application, there are helpful tips regarding your options. FileMaker Pro in considered the greatest user friendly commercial database for the teams and the companies. FileMaker Pro just isn't as easy to use just as Bento, then again is much flexible and extensible. Along with FileMaker Pro, you could develop custom solutions, that usually appear and function absolutely the manner in which you want. FileMaker Pro usually takes more work to setup as compared to Bento. Yet it is at the same time a lot more flexible. For instance, in Bento you could drag-out a field then Bento would automatically setup the different fields however it would certainly space them the way Bento believes is better. With FileMaker Pro you need to move fields personally however you could put things just as you want. with Bento you'll be able to select an address field & Bento will likely to have it set up. However there aren't many changes you can create in order to the way the address field performs. With FileMaker Pro you need to set-up every single portion of the address field by yourself (street address, city, state, etc) however you could make different types of address field you want. You can get in touch with a custom filemaker development company who can help you develop database application within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide filemaker database development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our filemaker certified developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

How has Filemaker helped Streamline AEBs operations ?

The AEB (Alabama Eye Bank) has been serving people of corneal loss of vision find vision. Since the AEB being the only Eye Bank in Alabama, they are available round the clock. Tom Cattell, VP of Information Services at Alabama Eye Bank, has informed that FileMaker enables a programmer or savvy end-user in order to get database apps functioning within a quick time. He said, a lot of his development requires automating workflows in accordance with paper or even Excel spreadsheets. These are usually small systems having a short amount of data. Therefore he is interested to get a FileMaker system which deals with a complex and also critical workflow. Alabama Eye Bank has got an application that records the development of the donated corneas. The program was explained in the FileMaker’s customer stories pages. Which explanation goes back a few years, and Tom was curious to learn about the present condition of the application. FileMaker is currently on version 13. Solutions developed in FileMaker Pro 12 also 13 could be implemented on MS windows, Macintoshes, or iPhone and iPad.

Although FileMaker 13 is the latest version of FileMaker, AEB is currently using FileMaker 12, because their audit log (FMDataGuard) which tracks converts to records and fields is of 32 bit therefore does not go with FM13. He work on FM13 for the development and also for the iPhone & iPad applications. He is working currently in changing to a different audit log so that they could get to the FileMaker 13 as soon as possible. They host FileMaker server on to a Windows 2008 virtualized server. All their clients are Mac and all of their servers are virtualized Windows servers and they are all on their local network. They have been using FileMaker ever since 1998 and made use of Macs even before that, therefore it was not a big deal to change over to FileMaker Go and begin with iPads and iPhones. At the time when Tom stated with Alabama Eye Bank in the year 2007, they had a smaller sized database produced in the FileMaker 6. His very first task was to upgrading them to FileMaker 9 that took three months time. Thereafter, they have more then double the databases and make use of that in almost all parts of their work. Their supply module that was produced around a year before had been mainly created with the local consultants, among whom developed the interface for their present databases.

The entire procedure starts when hospital contacts a death to their Donor Service Center (DSC). The Donor Service Center inputs the information into the Referrals tab of the database. When they get permission from a next of family member and they pass on their medical social queries, they mark the referral as the donor and then pass it to the Recovery Coordinator. They bring an iPad, downloads the donor information in it and then go to the hospital. In the hospital they enter many pages of chart info and carry out the procedure. On return they synchronize the data in the iPad to the AEB FileMaker server and then label on vials which store corneas with labels which print right after the data is uploaded. After that, the technical staff at AEB continues on the procedure in ensuring the corneas are safe and good in quality for the transplant. Then the hospital prepare them for the operations which are added in AEB FileMaker hosted page through surgery schedulers all over Alabama, the country and also around the globe. They dispatch digital statements via FileMaker and transfer the same data to the QuickBooks for AEB accounting.

FileMaker is additionally included in the Alabama Eye Bank’s HR's section. Which manages staff benefits, especially time off, vacations and also sick leaves. Along with FileMaker, Tom has generated several statements to help the management in order to keep a pulse for the eye bank’s regular operations.

You can get in touch with a custom filemaker development company who can help you develop database application within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide filemaker development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our filemaker certified developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Filemaker - How Does It Provide Stability To Mobile Apps Development

FileMaker Pro can be defined as a cross-platform application for relational database that is specifically designed for integration of a database engine with a specific GUI (Graphic User Interface) -based interface. It provides the users the option of modification of the database through the process of dragging newer elements into various forms, layouts, or screens.

When it comes to providing stability to the mobile apps development, FileMaker is one of the best bets. It is indeed an extremely elegant database system as well as a development platform that is designed to be used for quick development of various visually appealing, robust as well as user friendly mobile apps that can run on various smart phones and iPads.

One of the main reasons why it provides stability is that FileMaker is more than just a database system. The application comes up with features that help in the creation, deployment, as well as management of various data driven business solutions for not only Mac and Windows desktops, but also for iPhones, iPads, iPods and this naturally provides more stability when it comes to mobile app development.

In fact, such has been the impact of FileMaker in development of mobile applications, that as per a survey conducted by Forrester, more than 50 percent of business organizations nowadays are coming up with various types of mobile apps that are developed with the help of FileMaker Pro, simply because of the reason that the application provides more stability along with usability to the apps. Besides, presence of development platform combinations such as Filemaker Pro makes the transition much easier just because they are designed to support various cross-platform applications of mobile devices of different kinds as well as genres.

FileMaker Pro version 12 makes the creation of the database much easier, more so, because of the supplied templates which can be used in the development. Again, files can be created without using the templates as well. Also, the option of creating various interactive applications quickly on the top of the database with the use of capability options like point-click, drag-drop, and the likes, which make FileMaker Pro a perfect application for the development of mobile app. Most importantly, it provides much more stability to the developed apps.

It helps in creating simple as well as complex database and even when it comes to incorporating complex features like referential integrity, indexing, constraints and the likes, FileMaker Pro is particularly indispensable. It also facilitates developing highly stable, visually appealing, as well as an interactive database for various mobile devices in a seamless way and that is what is so special about it.

The latest version – Pro 12 has come up with forty latest payout themes that not only make apps and interface development simpler, but provide more stability to them. This is particularly important for the development of applications for iPhones and iPads, as users will generally expect visually pleasing interfaces when dealing with these devices. The latest version also offers a number of versions of themes that are specifically customized to be used on various mobile devices.

FileMaker pro is designed to facilitate building solid, stable, and robust as well as capable business apps for mobile devices.

Mobile apps, created with the help of FileMaker give the users the chance to get access to various features that are specially custom built for iOS devices. These may include options like digital signatures as well as cameras that are much beyond what are normally offered by the web apps.

FileMaker also comes up with templates that are iOS-specific and that are specifically used for designing apps, which helps presenting consistent native application styles. FileMaker also provides the facility of integrating with the other databases as well as enterprises and also has the capacity to securely as well as stably encrypt data.

This solution comes as a huge advantage for various small as well as mid-size businesses that require iOS apps to perform various tasks, but which generally do not expand their resources for developing native apps, in-house or by recruiting developers from outside. You can get in touch with a custom filemaker development company who can help you develop databases that are stable, scalable and secure.

We provide filemaker development services. If you would like to hire filemaker certified developers for your database development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.