Customer Reviews

FileMaker Pro 8 Win/Mac [Old Version]

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

 

 

Think you don't need a database? What about for managing customer contacts, sending email campaigns, tracking inventory or handling expense reports? All that stuff is easier when the data is organized as collection of records - or, as a "database."

With FileMaker, these are just some of the functions that are actually part of the product, and come as templates already designed for a specific task. I can just pull down a menu, select from dozens of possible applications, and then start to fill in the fields. I like to think of FileMaker as a bunch of databases applications, all in one product.

Since I was already familiar with FileMaker, there was some new stuff in Version 8 that immediately got my attention. I could instantly export data to Excel, or create a .pdf directly from within FileMaker. I just hit a button to export data and chose Excel, which is great for reports and charts. It was just as easy to create a .pdf, which is ideal for making product literature or customer brochures. Earlier versions of FileMaker allowed me to drag-and-drop Excel spreadsheets right into the databases, as well as instantly publishing to the web. That stuff is still there, and it's still very cool.

For the techies, the new FileMaker has a list of additional new features that make programming complex databases even easier - stuff like new tabs and drop down calendar controls, and easier scripting. Plus, FileMaker has an advanced version that adds even more debugging, and database analysis tools if you want to create your own custom databases.

For many people I know, the biggest hurdle with FileMaker is the idea that "a database isn't for me." It can be. You don't even have to know it's a database. And for about $300, it's worth a try.

I've been a File Maker user for a long long time (Claris days). This lastest upgrade is fantastic. I programed the databases we use at work for our contacts, calls, quotes, packing lists, RMAs, POs, etc. We have a mix Mac/PC environment and FM fits right in. It's an invaluable tool.
Why do I give it 4 stars? Because not a month since our upgrade from 6 to 8, they came out with 8.5. Which has more really nice features. Going from 8 to 8.5 is $99, multiply that per number of copies....

Alvaro

I used this in a business for several years. Easy to use and works great for book keeping. There may be newer and better products available but all my business records were in this format so haven't checked others out.

I really like this database program. It has been so easy for me to learn to design easy to use forms specific to our business. We do all of our purchase orders, estimates, contacts, and work orders in Filemaker Pro. Even the most technology resistant employees have found the forms unintimidating and easy to use. Even though outfitting us all with the database hasn't been cheap, and the updates are a little on the pricey side, I still give Filemaker Pro 5 stars. We'd be lost without it!