[MW Forums]

For new buyers, FileMaker Pro 9 is the most attractive version of the product ever. But, should current users upgrade? For most, the answer is yes. For those users who work with FileMaker a lot, version 9 is the third home run FileMaker has hit in its last four times at bat. more

[rfmansfield]

I began using FM with v. 6 after switching from Windows. I found that I liked it much better than MS Access, but the upgrades haven't been all that compelling for just a regular user like me who uses it to keep up with a handful of various collections.
I completely skipped v. 8, and upgraded to v. 9 the other day. I was immediately disappointed as it did not add any beneficial functionality to what I do with a database.
The other disappoint feature is that the toolbar has not been revised since the old Claris days. In fact, the toolbar reminds me of ClarisWorks more than anything else. But at least after ClarisWorks became AppleWorks, I could enlarge the toolbar. No such luck in FileMaker Pro v. 9, and it's a shame because the buttons are tiny on modern Mac screens with higher resolutions since that interface was designed way back in the System 7 days.

[Zoidberg]

"FileMaker Pro 9 contains a number of nice but non-dramatic improvements over previous versions of the product"
Wow, that seems to be how the review of every upgrade of FileMaker Pro begins. "Nice but non-dramatic."

[cebritt]

We are a FileMaker developer and the new SQL live connectivity is HUGE for us. I no longer have to parse words with the "SQL Shop" IT guys about connecting via ODBC, XML or whatever. I can just say "Yes" when they ask if it supports SQL. It also puts another nail in the MS Access coffin.
DevCon is going on right now and I'm anxious to hear what our programmers have learned about FM 9.

[sekoontz]

One of the most compelling upgrades in years. I am always amazed that FM adds new functionality every upgrade, but manages to keep its simplicity. No need for SQL connectivity -- then stick with v8, a remarkable upgrade by itself.
For those who claim they do not see anything compelling after v6, then maybe you should keep track of your CD collection and recipes on paper or in Excel.

[rfmansfield]

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For those who claim they do not see anything compelling after v6, then maybe you should keep track of your CD collection and recipes on paper or in Excel.

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There's no need to get ugly. I have my personal library of around 2300 books in FileMaker, complete with Dewey Decimal numbers. It's too many entries for Excel (I've tried). Even though my database needs are simple, I still need a dedicated database program like FileMaker Pro. However, in upgrading from v. 7 to v. 9, the greatest improvement for a user like me is simply the ability to use a scroll wheel, and I think that functionality may have been introduced in v. 8.
I'm glad for the users who can use more advanced features than me such as SQL functionality because as long as the program is successful it will still be around. However, it would be very helpful in the toolbar could be updated to something newer looking than the old Claris days in Mac System 7. Because a number of times lately, when I meant to add a record, I duplicated one, or if I meant to duplicate one, I deleted one. The buttons are TOO small on high res screen.
I've complained to the folks at FM, but have never received any response.

[Macdev8]

Yes there is a reason to get ugly. Why you had to dis FileMaker because it didn't seem to do more for you when it doesn't seem that you want it to do much for you in the first place is a little perplexing.
I would suggest that you take a few minutes to explore FileMaker and you will find that creating/modifying a layout or button to do exactly what you want is grade one level.
Sorry for the sharpness, but it just gets exasperating when I see the word, "complain"

[rfmansfield]

The only real thing I've complained about is the toolbar interface. It hasn't been updated in over a decade. I think that's a legitimate concern. But considering that I paid for the upgrade, I think I have the right to state my opinion on the matter. I stated plainly that I believe FileMaker is a solid application. It's interface is just a bit rusty.

[ChrisKubica]

RF-- Well, actually, there was no Toolbar at all until FileMaker Pro 7 came out in mid-2004. So that's hardly a decade. And the Toolbar is great. It is detachable, very Office-like (and thus familiar to Office users who jump to FileMaker) and very useful. So what are you talking about? Do you mean the Status Area at left with the "Rolodex" at the top? If you mean that, I think you're wrong there also. The Status Area is a key interface element for many home/small office users and it works just fine as it is. Why change it? It works great.

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The other disappoint feature is that the toolbar has not been revised since the old Claris days. In fact, the toolbar reminds me of ClarisWorks more than anything else. But at least after ClarisWorks became AppleWorks, I could enlarge the toolbar. No such luck in FileMaker Pro v. 9, and it's a shame because the buttons are tiny on modern Mac screens with higher resolutions since that interface was designed way back in the System 7 days.

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[Macdev8]

I must apologize. I didn't realize that your experience with FileMaker was such that you would use a toolbar, especially to add a new or duplicate a record when a Command-n or Command-d respectively would be more efficient.
As a FileMaker developer for over 20 years, I find your complaint rather unavailing; one I can't ever recall hearing my fellow developers raise. FileMaker is a developing tool.
As previously mentioned, take some time and add a button or two. Amazingly simple task to undertake.
I would suggest that you open the Lending Library (one of the many free examples supplied with the FileMaker application) and copy the necessary buttons to your file.

[montana]

Filemaker 9 has a lot of really cool web development tools, I love the easy integration to PHP! If anyone is looking for a good Filemaker Hosting provider check out Edition.net Filemaker Hosting

[azeguura]

Does anyone know if filemaker pro has any reported compatibility issues with iphone software 2.0.1 ??

[dfs]

Filemaker Pro 9 still doesn't address what I consider a major weakness that has existed since this app. first came out: you can't store a functioning URL in a field. That makes it useless for the particular purpose I have in mind.

[LKilbourn]

Does someone offer a good training program for FileMaker?
I've messed with it for a while now and am not getting the results i want.
I want to set up a sales, inventory and accounting program with it.