Roger Fingas
Apple-owned FileMaker on Tuesday launched FileMaker 16, the latest edition of its database platform, including updates for Macs, iPhones, and iPads.
When building databases on a Mac, FileMaker users now have access to features such as a Layout Objects window, which makes it easier to locate items or edit them individually without ungrouping a set. "Cards," meanwhile, are windows that can be made to appear automatically and prompt a choice before people continue on.
PDFs can meanwhile be printed through FileMaker WebDirect, and generated automatically from reports and other information via FileMaker Server.
Databases produced for FileMaker Go on iOS can now use animations and transitions, and offer signature capture in both fullscreen and pop-up windows. Workflows can be set to trigger based on the location of an iOS device, whether a geofence or a nearby iBeacon, and custom paper sizes can be enabled for printing.
FileMaker is also offering improved cURL and JSON integration, and support for external script steps in the FileMaker Plug-in SDK. Security-wise, OAuth 2.0 has been introduced for authenticating with Amazon, Google, and Microsoft accounts.
The standard version of FileMaker Pro 16 costs $329 for an individual, while Advanced is $549. Teams of five or more people must normally turn to a subscription costing at least $888 per year — perpetual licenses start at $2,664 for groups, but don't include upgrades.
FileMaker Go is a free download for devices with iOS 10.2 or later but can only run existing databases made with FileMaker Pro.
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29 Comments
Used FileMaker for years until they screwed our business by failing to provide adequate database migration tools for previous versions of FileMaker. Finally dumped them in favor of a less involved solution.
Database software is absolutely CRITICAL for business. I hope they are improving the advanced side of this app. Companies run Windows databases because FileMaker hasn't been adequate. Last time I looked it was still hard to do a basic table layout and joins. Apple could jump into the enterprise right now if this software is up to the task. The same goes for the other usual office applications. Maybe IBM will fill the gap?
FileMaker is absolute garbage.
I love FileMaker! :-) Useful for so many things and FileMaker Go on iOS is nothing short of brilliant :-) This new release has loads of great stuff in it....