FileMaker has matured into a very powerful and sophisticated tool for developing database solutions while still maintaining a rapid development cycle that is much shorter than other comparable database programs.
It was originally developed as a personal database application for the Macintosh computer and has since moved tremendously into the Windows market. In an effort to build upon FileMaker's reputation for user friendliness, FileMaker Pro (now its latest version 11, just released this March 2010) has been purposely redesigned to give you streamlined navigation, charting/reportss, better workflow and timesaving shortcuts. Now managing your information is simpler and more straightforward than ever before.
FileMaker Pro also offers the ability to create a single solution that can be accessed from multiple platforms such as Windows XP, Mac OSX, Palm OS, Pocket PC, and the web. In addition it can serve FileMaker files to both Windows and Mac clients concurrently from Server or Pro running on either platform. It offers support for up to 250 simultaneous clients and provides convenient features like online backup.
With its built-in Web server and out-of-the-box business templates, FileMaker has received high praise for being the ideal application for beginning Web site administrators who want to quickly (literally with one click) add Web database publishing capabilities to their Web site or company intranet.
 What is new in FileMaker 11 - Released March, 2010
Create eye-catching reports |
in five different styles including vertical bar, horizontal bar, area, line and pie charts. |
Make reports in a spreadsheet-like fashion |
and get even more out of your data. Group and summarize your information on the fly directly in Table View to create professional looking reports. |
Layout/Report Assistant |
It's even easier to create customized reports in FileMaker Pro using the enhanced Layout/Report Assistant. A new streamlined interface guides you step-by-step in building reports with grouped data. |
Snapshot Link |
Sometimes you need a report where a set of records stays the same but the details change. Let's say you want to track the results of sales leads received yesterday. Create a Snapshot Link file to save a specific set of records at a point in time. |
Recurring Import |
In FileMaker Pro 11 you can establish a Recurring Import from Microsoft Excel, CSV or TAB files. Set it up once, and every time you open your database, the data from your Excel spreadsheet or data file will update automatically in FileMaker Pro. |
Quick Find |
In FileMaker Pro 11 you can search for information just as you would in a web browser. Enter a word or phrase in the search box and FileMaker Pro will search all fields in your layout. |
The New Inspector |
Design your databases more efficiently than before with the new Inspector - a master tool palette that organizes all the layout objects and properties in one convenient place. |
Object Badges |
Visually identify different properties in your layouts with new color-coded icons. Quickly spot fields and objects that contain Conditional Formatting or Script Triggers. |
Invoice Starter Solution |
Managing your small business just got easier with the new Invoice Starter Solution - a professionally designed template built right into FileMaker Pro 11. |
Improved Quick Start Screen |
The Quick Start Screen in FileMaker Pro 11 has a new, streamlined interface to help you get started more quickly than ever before. Create a new database, manage favorite files, or find helpful resources - all from one screen. |
Text highlighting. |
Use highlighting to emphasize words or numbers in fields. Simply select your data then click the text highlight button. |
Layout Folders |
Organize all your layouts in folders - it's as easy as drag and drop. |
Portal Filtering |
Add Portal Filtering in your layouts to automatically show only the related records that you specify. Filters leverage the full power of the calculation engine. |
Scripting Enhancements |
Create and modify scripts through the Button Setup dialog box in Layout Mode - no need to go through separate menus and dialog boxes. This streamlined approach can also be used when creating Script Triggers, opening and closing script steps and creating scripts in Custom Menus in FileMaker Pro 11 Advanced. |
Improved File Security |
Add even more protection to your databases with new file access security features in FileMaker Pro 11. Authorize specific files to access tables, scripts, and value lists in your file. Plus prevent your databases from being opened with previous versions of FileMaker Pro. |
Variables in Find Requests and Merge Fields |
Leverage the power of variables in scripted finds and merge fields. By using local or global variables instead of global fields or unstored calculation fields, you can simplify your database schema and increase your database performance. |
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It is the #1-selling easy-to-use database that helps you easily manage people, projects, assets, and more. It gives you the tools you need to manage, customize, and share your information on a network or over the web with Windows and/or Mac users. 
