Santa Clara, Calif.-based FileMaker, Inc., a global database software solution provider for Windows, Mac and web platforms, has just released a new version of its FileMaker line of products, known as FileMaker Pro 9, with hopes that it will empower end-users and developers working in the IT industry.
The new FileMaker Pro 9 portfolio includes FileMaker Pro 9, FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced, FileMaker Server 9 and FileMaker Server 9 Advanced. All are solutions that can support between one to 250 users working off of a single server simultaneously. FileMaker Pro 9 also helps with the simplification of creating, automating, sharing and reporting from databases. In addition, it also gives workgroups the opportunity to share databases with one another via the network and Internet.
Jon Sigler, vice-president of product management at FileMaker, sees FileMaker Pro 9 as an attractive solution for many customers for a variety of reasons.
“It’s an easy to use tool,” Sigler said. “That has always been one of the main reasons why people choose FileMaker. With FileMaker, we’ve added the ability to create PDFs and have also introduced a quick start screen for users to organize templates and create things from scratch.”
With FileMaker Pro 9, features such as script grouping, auto resizing and other editing tools aid users in the designing of databases. With the use of FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced, users can experience a comprehensive script debugger and data viewer to help correct any script errors that may arise during the design process.
Sigler explains that while FileMaker is simple and quick to install, the company also offers support to its partners from start to finish.
“We had a goal to install this in 20 minutes or less,” Sigler said. “For the average user, it’s only about 10 minutes to get this installed. We offer phone support, built in training and also an enhanced learning centre that users can access via the FileMaker solution. This is a hosted web based tool that is accessible from within FileMaker.”
Trevor Robertson, sales manager at WestWorld Computers Inc. in Edmonton, draws attention to what his staff and customers particularly like about FileMaker solutions.
“(With FileMaker) editing databases is very simple and easy to do,” Robertson said. “It gives so much flexibility and power with it, that it’s just a great tool for (anyone) who uses it.”
Pricing for FileMaker Pro 9 products vary according whether its an upgrade or a new purchase. But typically, for a new user of FileMaker Pro 9 the suggested retail price is US$299, whereas the FileMaker Pro 9 Advanced runs at US$499. New users of FileMaker Server 9 are looking at spending around US$999, while FileMaker Server 9 Advanced costs about US$2,499.
Despite varying costs, Sigler maintains one thing remains constant when it comes to FileMaker’s future market and channel plans.
“We’ll always continue to evaluate our support to see how we can bring our entire partner and customer community forward,” Sigler said. “From a product standpoint, FileMaker will always be used as a tool. We will bring this idea forward as we continue to innovate and empower users in the desktop and server space.”
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