FileMaker Pro 8
Buy Now...
With office productivity software it is usually the word processor or spreadsheet that has the highest profile and gains all the plaudits. However many would argue that it is the database that supplies the heart beat keeping the office running smoothly. One such database is FileMaker Pro which has already racked up sales of 11 million and has a 30,000 strong development community.
Now up to version 8, FileMaker Pro is both Windows and Mac compatible. Following a relatively quick set-up procedure, delayed only by the need to enter a 35-character alphanumeric serial number, you are presented with the option of opening an existing file (those created by previous versions can be opened directly or run through an automated conversion process); creating a file using one of the templates categorised under various business, educational or home sectors; and creating a file from scratch.
For those unfamiliar with this particular product, it should be pointed out that FileMaker has always prided itself on its speed of operation and usability. Although several new features have been added to this latest version of FileMaker, this has not adversely affected the products speed or ease of use. Making use of its layout, browse, find and preview modes you can create databases covering a wide range of projects and store up to 8 terabytes of data if you should so wish. This data can include Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PDF files, pictures, videos and sound clips. But enough of what was available in the previous versions; lets move on to the new stuff that has been added in FileMaker 8.
Adding to its previously mentioned ability to bring in PDF files and Excel spreadsheets, FileMaker can now save files in these formats. You can turn a database into a PDF document or an Excel spreadsheet with just a couple of mouse clicks. You can also quickly select the content of fields and have that content automatically attached to an email message sent to a single recipient or as part of a mass mail out.
Two features that I found particularly useful, especially when faced with a large number of records, is the Fast Match and Mouse-Wheel support. With the former you can quickly gathered together all the records that match a particular field. Simply right-click with the mouse and select the Find Matching Records option from the context menu and the job is done. Mouse-Wheel support lets you scroll through fields or records as fast as your eyes can take in the information by scrolling the wheel in either direction.
I would have included the Visual Spell Checker in my list of features that can come to my rescue. Underlining words that were spelt incorrectly can certain catch your attention and avoid embarrassing mistakes. Unfortunately this feature is not as useful as it could have been. The underlining of words not recognised only remains while you are actually in the relevant field. Move to another field without looking, as can often happen when typing in a large number of records, and the underline will disappear and with it the indication that a mistake has been made.
Other new features, whose appeal will vary according to the users needs, include improved relationship graph for checking related fields. There are improved alignment tools; calendar drop-downs for quickly entering dates; and an auto-complete feature that works with Value Lists or previously entered content to automatically fill fields.
Whether you work in a Windows, Macintosh or mixed environment, then FileMaker Pro 8 will handle all your database needs in an efficient, quick and easy to manage manner. For business users it also has the benefit of a large development community producing ways to enhance the databases productivity. Pricing has been set at £219 with a £129 upgrade available for existing users. Windows users will need a Pentium III 5000MHz processor and 256MB RAM running Windows 2000/XP. Mac users require a PowerPC G3 or later with Mac OS X10.3.9 or 10.4.
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