Filemaker Pro 8 Upgrade Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been experimenting with relational databases for some time now and I have used both Microsoft Access and Filemaker. Without question, Filemaker has consistently been the easiest, most intuitive of the two products. I am not a programmer but simply an end user who likes to delve into spread sheets and databases as the need arises. Microsoft Access may have more advanced features, things I would probably never use, and conversely it is much more difficult to navigate and it is not as user friendly from someone who isn't a programmer.
The beauty of File Maker Pro is that in about 2 hours of sitting down and going thru the help files, you can literally be up and running in the rudimentary aspects of relational database protocols, and you can also produce some fantastic, professional looking interfaces and reports for your data. I upgraded from version 7 and I really enjoy the new calendar pull down menus and the creation of PDF records within the program and sending via e-mail. It also features several new tools that help in importing and exporting data and in creating better looking forms and reports. If you are a savvy database user, the cost to upgrade from 7 to 8 may not be worth it depending on your level of expertise. I like to stay current on all of my software so if I use an application on a regular basis then I stay current with the latest version - that is my motto. People needing to find a relational database application and who need a quick, powerful tool to assist them need to look no further.

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With a host of new features designed to make the creation of databases easier, FileMaker Pro 8 is an ideal solution for those who are responsible for people, project, assets, and more. In addition to its lineup of standard database creation and management tools, FileMaker Pro 8 features new tools that make customizing databases, accessing FileMaker information over the web, and sharing with other FileMaker users or with those outside your FileMaker workgroup easier than ever.
Getting started with FileMaker Pro 8 is easy, and it only takes minutes to create your own database. The process is even simpler with the ability to import Excel files instantly. FileMaker Pro 8 can store a variety of information types and a virtually unlimited amount of data. Databases can be customized to fit your needs, with built-in assistants and the ability to drag and drop objects and to link information quickly and easily. You can also design easy to read layouts and create your own views of the data.

New time-saving tools will help you get more done. Auto-complete, calendar drop-downs, visual spell checker, and mouse wheel support will make data entry speedier and more intuitive. A field list filter lets you view and choose from fields used on the displayed layout only, making choosing fields faster. The new Tab Control function helps you build a layout with multiple tabs in a single step so you can switch between tabs without needing scripting, eliminating the need for multiple layouts.

FileMaker information can be accessed remotely so that clients or vendors can view FileMaker information, or you can view data in the FileMaker interface. Web accessed can be provided with a single click, and access can be assigned based on privileges. Built-in multi-user capabilities make it easy for up to five users to share FileMaker databases simultaneously, regardless of platform type.

FileMaker Pro 8 features built-in reports that can be printed in a variety of formats. You can create Adobe PDF files from Filemaker information, making it easy to share information with other users. The new Excel Maker lets you create Excel files from FileMaker information so that you can easily share information with others or analyze the data more thoroughly. The contents of virtually any field can be emailed to anyone with just a few, simple clicks.

FileMaker Pro 8 features new tools for developers, giving you even more power over variables and database design. Global and local script variables canbe stored, eliminating the need to create unnecessary fields to store values. Scripts can now perform functions and return results to the calling script. This gives you the power to create flexible, re-usable scripts to help you save development and maintenance time. The Relationships Graph lets you duplicate tables and relationships, and document database design by adding notes. New script steps are included to easily show all related records for an entire found step and to support dynamic selection of field repetition through the use of a calculation. Value Lists will display more meaningful information while hiding cryptic associated values.

New features in FileMaker Pro 8:

Create Adobe PDF files with the PDF Maker so you can more easily share FileMaker information with others.
Use the new Excel Maker to create Microsoft Excel files, allowing you to share and analyze FileMaker information with others.
Fast Send feature lets you Email the contents of any field instantly.
Fast Match feature helps you search the database without typing.
New alignment tools allow you to create cleaner looking database layouts.
Send personalized messages to multiple customers with the new Email merge.
Import tables into FileMaker more efficiently than ever.
The Relationships Graph helps you document databases and field relationships.
The new Tab Control helps you build layouts with multiple tabs in a single step.

Note: This is the upgrade version of FileMaker Pro 8. You must be a licensed user of FileMaker Pro 6 or FileMaker Pro 7 to qualify for this upgrade.

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