 Dale
Farris, Reviews Coordinator
Golden Triangle PC Club
March 2008
General Overview
In today's so-called "age of information," we face an abundance
of accessible information never before experienced in our history.
Accompanying this vast accumulation of information is a sense of
"information overload," of being overwhelmed with the streaming
of information that challenges our skills to organize and manage all this
data.
Part of the historical means by which we managed our necessary information
included such standard tools as address books, telephone books,
dictionaries, or other paper-based mechanisms. These tools are actually basic databases that we look to for help in organizing our needed
information in such a manner to make it easy for us to find what we need
when we need it.
In the world of computers, this database concept has been applied with the
same principles involved in paper directories. The difference with
computer databases is that we have to learn how to use database
application software, how to enter or import the data into a
database. We also have to learn how to quickly retrieve the data
elements from within the database, and how to compile the data into
meaningful information presented in reports.
In today's highly competitive software market, database applications
have thankfully become more easy to use. The end-user interface in these
programs continues
to improve, while the programming that
supports these user-friendly features continues to be more complex. While in the
business community, Microsoft Access tends to be the desktop database of
choice, simply because of its integration in the Microsoft Office suite, the
FileMaker Pro 9 program from FileMaker, Inc. continues to turn heads and
is rapidly gaining more attention.
A database is a collection of related data. The data housed in any
database is first defined by the user according to their particular need
to organize this information, and the data elements are the basic facts about
the information the user needs to store and retrieve. This concept is
easily understood in the classic, paper-based telephone directory that
organizes data elements (name, address, phone number, etc.) regarding a
collection of records (the people in the directory) that the user needs to
access in order to find the right data element (phone number) needed to
contact someone (a record) in the database.
In the case of digital, electronic forms of databases that are used on
computers, the relational database application program enables data to be easily altered to meet specific
needs. A Database
Management System (DBMS) provides a digital method to not only store this related data, but
also to manipulate the data into usable information.
In addition to FileMaker Pro 9, Paradox, FoxPro, and Access are all mid-sized DBMS products. Two
DBMS applications that are designed to store and manage very large
amounts of data, such as with an airline reservation system or credit card accounts, are
SQL Server (Structured Query Language) and Oracle. These two products are powerful and
very useful, but they require an in-depth understanding of relational structures and
design, and sometimes require programming skills in order to accomplish the desired
purpose.
When we think of a typical business desktop user needing to organize a
database, we will find a relevant need for a DBMS like FileMaker Pro 9.
However, when we think of the database needed to accept, store, manage,
retrieve, and link the massive amount of data entered every day by the
hundreds of thousands of daily customers at Amazon.com, then we find the
need for something much more complex, like Oracle.
FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced includes all the features of FileMaker Pro 9, plus
a suite of advanced development and customization tools to help you design
and develop more powerful, more customized database solutions – faster and
easier than ever before!
Businesses are not the only organizations that need to store, manipulate, and retrieve
data. Individuals, families, clubs, and other organizations also need to handle
information efficiently and effectively. A mid-sized, yet powerful product
like FileMaker's excellent FileMaker Pro 9, is an excellent tool to meet this
type of demand.
In most database applications, data cannot immediately be entered into the
program. The user must first create the database, meaning the actual
database file must be named and saved, and tables with
field names and data types must be designed. Data types limit the kind of data that can be
stored in the various fields, and limit the size of the field in some cases.
After these steps have been completed, the user can then begin to enter
data into records.
For novice users of databases, FileMaker Pro 9 is
actually one of the more easy database programs to learn. The interface is
designed to make use of the complexities of a database much more intuitive
than working in Microsoft Access. This means the learning curve is less
steep and users will likely sense less intimidation than with Access.
FileMaker Pro is the #1-selling easy-to-use database software for Windows
and Mac OS that helps you manage people, projects, assets and more — the
easy way! The award-winning ease of use that is built into every aspect of
FileMaker Pro continues to be praised by millions of customers and
industry experts around the world. With its easy installation and setup,
you’ll be up and running in a matter of minutes — not hours or days.
Then a few clicks will convert your Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and other
files to FileMaker databases for easier searching, sorting, printing and
reporting.
The intuitive point-and-click interface helps you customize solutions and
share them with ease. So whether you're tracking a simple contact list or
multiple project tasks, FileMaker Pro helps you manage it all — faster and
easier than ever before!
Benefits of FileMaker Pro
Design and develop databases faster and easier
Customize your database even more by renaming, adding, or deleting menu
and toolbar items. Add tooltips to layout objects to make your layouts
more intuitive. Even create standalone, runtime applications.
Debug and troubleshoot more efficiently
FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced includes essential debugging and reporting tools
that help you build stable, reliable solutions more efficiently. It’s
easier than ever to pinpoint problem areas by reviewing scripts
step-by-step in the Script Debugger. You can monitor fields, variables,
expressions, and even test calculation formulas with the Data Viewer, as
well as temporarily disable script steps to test portions of your scripts.
Modify and maintain with ease
Once you’ve designed and deployed your database, the FileMaker Pro 9
Advanced database reporting and optimization features will help you update
solutions more easily and keep them running at peak performance. Update
databases faster by importing multiple tables or by using copy/paste to
move fields, tables, scripts, and script steps. Get comprehensive
information on database schema and options, like fields, web viewers,
layouts, Custom Menus, and more with the Database Design Report. Plus, the
FileMaker Maintenance Tools will ensure you’re getting maximum performance
from your solutions.
Connecting With Others
With FileMaker Pro 9, it is now easier to connect other people to your
FileMaker data. It's easier to connect to external SQL data sources, which
means that users without any knowledge of SQL can now add, change, and
delete records with an easy-to-use FileMaker Pro 9 solution. It is also
easier to connect with your creativity as a developer with new,
time-saving tools.
Key Features
• Create a database in minutes even if you’ve never used a database
before.
• Gather all your information, from business cards to Excel files to
images to SQL data, in one place.
• Instantly access to the information you need with easy-to-use search and
sorting features.
• Build reports and email them to your colleagues as Adobe PDF or Excel
files.
• Design complete scalable solutions for your organization and automate
repetitive tasks.
• Share information on a network or over the Web with both Windows and Mac
users.
• Dynamically combine data from the Web with the information in your
database
Top 10 Ways to Turbocharge Your Solutions Using FileMaker Pro 9
Advanced
Customize menus and toolbars by renaming, adding, or deleting menu items
or replacing entire menus with your own choices for a completely
customized solution. When you update a menu the associated toolbar icons,
context menus, window options, keyboard shortcuts, and the Mode menus are
automatically updated to match.
Make your layouts more informative by adding tooltips to fields or layout
objects. Tooltips are static text or can be based on calculated results.
Either way you will provide more insights into your data, and deliver
essential information without cluttering your layout.
Build or modify databases faster by importing multiple tables at once or
by using copy/paste to move fields and tables in or across files.
Pinpoint problem areas as you step through scripts in a Script Debugger.
You can even temporarily disable scripts to test portions of a script.
Keep an eye on current field values, variables, or expressions with the
Data Viewer. Debug scripts and test calculation formulas without modifying
your underlying database schema.
Create standalone runtime solutions that do not require the FileMaker Pro
application to be installed.
Create a kiosk-based application where all menus are hidden — great for
event registrations, surveys, and collecting names for mailing lists.
Build more robust calculations and extend database capabilities with
Custom Functions and the External Function Plug-in API.
Generate a report that provides comprehensive information on your database
schema and options, like fields, tables, Custom Menus, FileMaker Web
Viewers, and more with the Database Design Report. It’s invaluable as a
troubleshooting tool by locating missing fields, broken relationships,
problem calculations, and more.
Use the file maintenance tools to maximize database performance and to
compact and recover unused space for faster access.
What's New in V. 9?
Document your use of the new features
The Database Design Report has been updated to document information on the
great new features in FileMaker Pro 9. As an advanced user, you’ll love
connecting to your FileMaker data with the FileMaker Quick Start Screen,
Conditional Formatting, Send Link Database Sharing and more. Or create
secure easy one-way or two-way connections to External SQL Data Sources.
And connect to your creativity with new layout and design tools.
Build PHP websites
FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced includes a new menu item that launches the PHP
Site Assistant feature. It creates a set of PHP web pages for accessing
FileMaker data using the new FileMaker PHP Class. You must have FileMaker
Server 9 or the FileMaker Server 9 Development License, available free to
members of the FileMaker Technical Network, to use this feature.
Optimized for observation
The FileMaker Data Viewer makes it easy to debug and troubleshoot your
database. Use the new Current Tab to view all field and variables used in
the currently executing script. And sort the columns of the FileMaker Data
Viewer by just clicking on the header.
Super script surveillance
Pinpointing problem areas and reviewing scripts step-by-step is a piece of
cake with the Script Debugger. New enhancements give you more refined
control. Place breakpoints on multiple steps at the same time or pause
script steps that are about to be executed. Addressing errors is easier
than ever because you can view the error result of the last script step
and set scripts to automatically pause when a script error occurs,
enabling you to go directly to the error definition in the help system.
Debug login
Administrators can now log in to the Script Debugger and FileMaker Data
Viewer and troubleshoot restricted access scripts upon authentication.
Sharing And Collaboration
Support for external SQL (ODBC) data sources
Supplemental fields
Email links to shared databases
Increased number of peer-to-peer file sharing users
Reporting and Analysis
Conditional formatting
Append to PDF
Updated label support
Usability Improvements
New FileMaker Quick Start Screen
Online update notification
Auto-resize layout objects
Enhanced tab panel control
Improved web viewer
Learn buttons
Enhanced Help menu
Revised File menu
Improved Undo / Redo
Improved spell checking
Enhanced toolbar
Multiple Script editing windows
Script organization features
Copy and paste scripts
Functions and Script Steps
Get (HostApplicationVersion) function
Get (TemporaryPath) function
Self function
Acos function
Asin function
Undo / Redo script step
Data Viewer enhancements
Database Design Report updates
Script debugger enhancements
PHP Site assistant link
Features Enhanced in Pro 9 Advanced
PHP Site Assistant menu item
Debug login
Script debugger
Database Design Report
Data Viewer
Using FileMaker Pro 9
When you work in FileMaker Pro 9, you work in one of four
"modes." The Browse mode lets you enter data and view records,
the Find mode locates a record or group of records, the Layout mode is
used to specify how information will appear on the screen or when you
print it, and the Preview mode is used to see what the pages will look
like when you print them. Once you have opened a database, you can switch
from one mode to another using either the View menu or the pop-up menu at
the bottom of the application window.
To create a new database, you begin with the File, New Database command.
This presents the New Database dialog box, which you use to create a new
empty file. You give your database a name, and then in the Define Fields
dialog box, you create the fields to store your information. This is a
very intuitive process in FileMaker Pro 5.5, and should be much more
easier to learn by first-time database users than the basically similar
process in Microsoft Access.
You name and type the fields, including text, number, date, time,
container, calculation, summary, or global, and then you begin to enter
the raw data into the defined fields.
The layouts view is used to view and print information in many different
ways, such as a list of records, mailing labels or form letters. This too
seemed to me to be much easier than how you do this in Access.
Running reports is simple, and begins with selecting the Scripts menu, and
then the type of report you wish to generate from the database. You can
create subsummary reports and group data and totals, again in a simpler,
more intuitive manner than in Access.
You can also assign relationships between files and streamline data
entry. You choose the File, Define Relationships command, and in the Edit
Relationship dialog box, you select the fields from the different database
files and relate these.
The many features in FileMaker Pro 9 may seem confusing at first, but as
you become familiar with the product, you'll come to appreciate them. You
can accomplish virtually any standard database task using FileMaker Pro
9 without any programming. Those using the software can link tables for
relational databases, create mailing labels, perform queries, and more. By
writing some simple scripts, you can perform more complex functions such
as automatically generating past-due notices. Organizing these many
options into a user-friendly product is not easy, but FileMaker Pro does
the task well.
In FileMaker Pro 9, the emphasis has been on making the user interface
as simple and as intuitive as possible. This means that first-time users
of this database program may find the learning curve far less steep than
learning Microsoft Access for the first time.
Continued Features
Flexible information management tool
Create databases with ease
Single-click web publishing
One-to-many, many-to-many relationships
Share files over the Web
Convert Excel files with simple, drag-and-drop
Connect with ODBC, or import/export files from other standard file formats
Simple dialogs to work with numerous built-in templates
Mail merge in Word
Calculation-based SQL queries to ODBC data sources
Automate tasks
Import data and scripts
Record Access Privileges
With FileMaker Mobile, take your data with you on a Palm OS
Support for more graphics formats
New layout theme designs
New calculation functions
New design functions
Powerful data management
Familiar interface that compliments Microsoft Office
Table View
FileMaker Pro ODBC Driver
Instant Web publishing
Web themes
Web security
Layout/Report Assistant
Professional solutions
Versatile data import
Data handling flexibility
Auto indexing
Multimedia "Container" fields
Integrated text handling and mail merge
Relational database capabilities
Data merging
Data-lookup capabilities
ScriptMaker feature
Versatile Find function
Custom field formats
Conditional value lists
Built-in spell checker
User-definable buttons
Cross-platform compatibility
Instant peer-to-peer networking
Password control
Automatic record locking
Instant file updating
Recommendation
For any company that has not yet standardized to Microsoft Access, I would
strongly suggest they give serious consideration to this super program
that has made using relational databases much easier, especially for those
new to databases. While the initial training with the program will have to
be arranged, mostly to be sure users have the fundamental concepts down
regarding how relational databases are designed to work, the step-by-step
learning how to actually use the program will be a mostly smooth ride for
most new users.
With the availability of the other server-side components, FileMaker, Inc.
has produced a full lineup of database products that should well serve
most small to medium sized organizations. Companies that need to manage huge databases that simulate
hundreds of thousands of
transactions in a massive ecommerce setup likely will need to look to more robust
products, such as Oracle, as the database that can support this massively
scaled up volume of records.
Price
$499 (Win and Mac)
$299 (upgrade, Win and Mac, requires previous versions to be installed)
The boxed version of FileMaker Pro 9 includes a product CD, the User's
Guide, the Installation and New Features Guide, customer support
information, and a license key for installation.
The downloadable version contains the product software, and electronic
version of the product documentation in PDF format, and a link to an
electronic license certificate that contains a license key needed for
installation.
System Configuration Requirements
Mac Machines
PowerPC G3, G4, G5, or Intel-Based Mac processor
Mac OS X 10.4.8
256MB RAM
CD-ROM drive
Windows XP Pro, Home Edition (SP 2) Machines
P-III 500MHz or higher processor
256MB RAM
CD-ROM drive
SVGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution video adapter and display
Windows Vista Ultimate, Business, Home Machines
800 MHz 32-bit (x86) or higher processor
512MB RAM
SVGA (800x600) or higher resolution video adapter and display
CD-ROM drive
Citrix and Terminal Server
Mac OS X Clients
Citrix ICA Client version 7.00.407
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client 1.0.3 for Mac OS X
Windows Clients
Citrix ICA Client version 9.200
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Servers
Citrix Presentation Server 4.0 for Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 (SP 1)
Version state is the minimum requirement. The software may also work with
later versions certified by FileMaker, Inc.
Compatibility
FileMaker Pro 9 databases use the same file format (.fp7) as FileMaker Pro
8.x and FileMaker Pro 7. Therefore, databases can easily be shared between
these three versions. Features specific to the newer versions are only
supported in the newer versions (e.g. The new External SQL Data Source
feature, introduced with FileMaker Pro 9, is only supported by FileMaker
Pro 9. )
NOTE: There is an incompatibility with FileMaker 9 and Safari 3 Public
Beta. Please check the FileMaker Knowledge Base for more information.
Additional Requirements (All Platforms)
Networking:
TCP/IP: limited to nine simultaneous FileMaker client connections; each
client requires a licensed copy of the software; See FileMaker Server 9
for increased capacity.
* Any computer accessing FileMaker Pro files over a network will need to
have a licensed installation of versions 7, 8.x or 9 of FileMaker Pro or
FileMaker Pro Advanced.
Instant Web Publishing:
A host computer with continuous access to the Internet or intranet via
TCP/IP (FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced can manage up to five simultaneous
Instant Web Publishing sessions. See FileMaker Server 9 Advanced for
increased capacity.)
Web browser requirements:
To use a database shared with Instant Web Publishing, Windows web users
need Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.x or Firefox 1.x on Windows. On
the Mac OS, web users need Safari 1.2.x (Mac OS X 10.3), Safari 2.0.x (Mac
OS X 10.4) or Firefox 1.x only. On both platforms, some earlier versions
of Microsoft Internet Explorer and Safari are blocked. Other Mozilla
family browsers are not blocked but are unsupported and users will receive
a dialog encouraging them to upgrade to a supported browser. JavaScript
must be enabled in the web browser.
About FileMaker, Inc.
FileMaker, Inc. is the worldwide leader in easy-to-use database
software for business professionals. Millions of customers—individuals,
small businesses, teams in education and government, workgroups in Fortune
100 companies—manage projects, people, and assets with FileMaker.
When business professionals outgrow spreadsheets, they depend on
FileMaker. With ready-to-use applications and solutions, anyone can be
more productive. Customizing, creating, and sharing solutions is quick and
easy. And FileMaker is powerful enough to integrate with corporate data
environments, share on the web, and grow as your needs grow.
FileMaker was founded in 1998 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Apple
Inc.
Contact
FileMaker, Inc.
(A subsidiary of Apple Computer, Inc.)
5201 Patrick Henry Drive
Santa Clara, California 95054
408-987-7000
800-325-2747
www.filemaker.com
Kevin Mallon
Senior Public Relations Manager
408-987-7227
kevin_mallon@filemaker.com
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FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced