Customer Reviews

FileMaker Pro - (V. 9.0) - Complete Package - 1 User - CD - Win, Mac - English (30088G) Category: Software Suites

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am not a programmer, but I am a computer nerd. By profession, I am a lawyer. Databases are a very valuable asset for lawyers. In fact, there are about a dozen companies out there who sell customized database applications for lawyers. I've tried alot of them and even use one of these proprietary databases in my practice.

I am considering eventually making my office all-Mac (stability, virus-free, machines stay current and last longer than PC) so I investigated Filemaker. Filemaker will allow me to track all my data exactly how I want and mix Macs and PC's in my office.

Filemaker Pro 9 ships with alot of "Starter Applications"--these are databases already completely set up for you. You enter or import your data and for probably 80% of people who need a database, this is a great place to start--and you may never need to do anything else. Contacts, asset management, task and project management, there are dozens of starter solutions built right into Filemaker.

For us tinkerers, we want to be able to to make the database track what we want, and in exactly the way we want. You DO NOT have to be a computer programmer to do this or learn some crazy and difficult magic language as another reviewer suggests. It is hands down easier to do this stuff in FMP9 than in any other product out there. That that other reviewer would even suggest that Filemaker Pro and any SQL solution is even in the same ballpark in difficulty is ridiculous. SQL gives professional, full-time programmers nightmares. If you can figure out the train wreck that is SQL queries, you'll feel like you landed in a sunny tropical paradise in FMP9. Understand, this is not a crippled, limited tool. Its a full featured, powerful relational database with tools built into it to make it as easy for new users as possible to use. You can make about as complex a database with powerful automated features as you could ever want. BUT, if you do that, you DO have to LEARN how to do it. Complex databases take some planning and know how. Read a book or watch a training video, and tinker.

If you learn how to use FMP9, I can tell you that you will save on other software costs in the future, because you can throw together whatever you need--no buying multiple other apps to track this or that.

I'd suggest the very readable Filemaker Pro The Missing Manual as a great book. There are videos you can watch on your computer, too. You can pick up Filemaker 8 training for $10 on ebay, and that will teach you 90% of what you need to know bc the basics did not change much between 8 and 9. I also got s cheap copy of Chris Ippolite's "Beyond the Basics" training DVD and it is truly excellent.

If you are the type who might consider customizing a database, then Filemaker is hands down the best option out there. Give it a try--you can download a 30 day evaluation copy at the Filemaker web site. I think you'll be impressed.

Pros: Intuitive user interface, common-sense language approach to database programming.
Cons: Steep learning curve for advanced applications.

Some of the most useful software available are database programs. With them you can do anything - from managing large customer invoices to organizing your home DVD collection. While Microsoft Access seems to be the most well-known database program, I have never found it to be very user friendly. Filemaker Pro 9 has emerged for me as the simplest and most versatile database program available.

While Access employs commands that only a programmer would be able to understand, Filemaker Pro uses simpler terminology that makes it easier for new users to jump right in and create their first databases. Layout creation is almost self-explanatory, with simple drag-and-drop of information field locations and the ability to resize and change fonts while instantly previewing your completed form on the screen.

Not only is it easy to make your Filemaker Pro database look good, but it is very simple to customize and create the exact information fields you need. Field creation is practically a one-step process: type field name and hit enter. But to get the most out of your database, you have the ability - through multiple available validation requirements -- to ensure the right data goes in the right field. For instance, you can make sure that no one enters incorrect zip codes into a personnel information database by only allowing five-character numerical values into that field. There's nothing more frustrating than spending hours and hours creating the perfect database and having one person screw it up by fat-fingering data.

In addition to simple information fields, you have the ability to add buttons, tabs, drop-down menus, option boxes and checkboxes. You can import photos of people for a customer database or CD covers for your personal music collection database. You can even create links to Google Maps to display quick directions to important addresses right in your database forms.

Need to compile information from multiple fields? Well, Filemaker Pro 9 has an extensive ability to perform calculations and assign those values to fields as you deem necessary. As a relational database program, this can be done using information from multiple other databases as well. And with the ability to compute to more significant digits than even Microsoft Excel is capable, there is more than enough accuracy to meet almost anyone's statistical needs.

So, with all these great features, why wouldn't someone want to use Filemaker Pro 9? Well, with great software there is always a price. This one comes in the range of $275 to $300. So if all you really ever hope to accomplish with a database program is to organize your DVDs and CDs, then there are much cheaper routes to take. And even though Filemaker has really simplified the database program's user interface, there is just so much to do that it can't be covered in even the 200-page manual that's in the box. And while Filemaker has taken significant steps in making the database program usable by the average computer owner, the manual is still written for experts and poorly organized.

If you have a need for a comprehensive database program for business or even personal use, and money is not an issue, than this is definitely the program for you. Whether this is your first time or you're an Access veteran, you'll find making your first Filemaker Pro database a simple and fun experience. If you're in the market, at least try the 30-day trial. If your needs are simpler and your LES a little more limited, go for FileMaker's cheaper consumer-oriented Bento instead.

I didn't purchase Filemaker Pro for my own use. I purchased it on behalf of the Paradise (CA) Friends of the Library on the recommendation of the board member who had prior experience in using it. Our goal was to create a more usable mailing list. We wanted software that would be all encompasing. That is, to do everything that a non-profit osrganization needs to do to maintain contact with its members, send out membership information and renewal notices. Filemaker Pro does all this and more. We no longer need any other software for day to day operations.

Have used MS Access in years past and was looking for a database file that would work on my Mac. Filemaker Pro 9 works great and is both very flexible and easy to use. Even the Help files are pretty decent. Recommend this program highly.

All the time in my life I tried to get answers on how to make a search engine, I could not find anything anywhere with endless circles, but it was only Filemaker Pro (nine) that was helpful, which was the first step in the right direction. It was all too easy to do (and learn at the same time.) Coming with it's free simple tutorials (including an interactive video on itself), and much online help with various other references and instances, AND as well as having an already pre-built databases examples in the Program made the learning and doing extremely breezey (Poof! As if the 'how-to-database' issue ever existed!), and not only that, everything I needed was all there and all in one place! If you're looking for a place to start on databases, and can't find answers anywhere else, this one is WELL worth the investment.

I upgraded from an earlier version of Filemaker Pro for my office. I like the ugrades and changes that have been made. We were operating on version 3, so there are many good updates.

I've used Filemaker for years to organize and manage my database of clients. It's also wonderful to use for Invoicing - allowing the user to be able to manage their invoicing in whatever way they dream possible. To sort by Client, by project, invoice number, address, job amounts, City, etc... If you have a business I think Filemaker is an invaluable tool. I also use it for mailings and to create personalized form letters. The only limitation with Filemaker is your imagination (and learning how to use it if you don't commit yourself to figuring out how to do what you want to do.) It's a little complex but you'll figure it out with dedication to reading the manual.

Filemaker Pro Is SO easy to use, intuitive. Every time I use the database at work I think how much more user-friendly it would be if it was made with Filemaker. Perfect for designing databases with instructions imbedded for those who use them only occasionally.

A great database software package for simple object-oriented, professional-level, customize programming. The only draw back is the piece-mealing documentation and paid support.

This is a great software, I just wish I had known to get the advanced as I'm hoping to do a lot of programming and the advanced version has some really great features that I didn't know about.

Don