Why should you be using FileMaker Pro?

Great question, but first:

What is a database, and why do I need one?

A database is an organized collection of data. We all have data which needs to be organized. Phone numbers, birthdays, expenses, credit cards, etc. And we have many different ways of managing this data. The most common way is simply a list. A list of phone numbers we often call, a shopping list, a to-do list. And how do we manage this lists? We write them down. At first, on a piece of paper. Then we move the list to an electronic form to let us modify the lists, print the list, or send t he list to other folks who might need it. So we use Word, Pages, Excel, Note Pad, TextEdit, or some other application. And that is fine when the list is small. But when it gets larger we want to do more with our data than allowed by these simple applications.

So we look to specialized software for our calendar, address book, shopping lists. These applications are customized systems created to handle specific types of data. And they can be great. My contacts application lets me access the same names, phone numbers and addresss on all my devices: desktops, laptops, servers, phones and tablets. But I can only use my data the way the software was designed to allow me to use it. If I want to use a special layout, or I want to perform custom searches or sorts, I may be out of luck. And use data from multiple different applications and relate them in useful ways? Very hard if not impossible with many of the available tools.

Which brings us to general-purpose database management systems (DBMS), which are systems designed to allow the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration of databases. A DBMS allows the creation of a custom system to manage and manipulate your data the way you want to, not the way someone else thinks you should.

Why FileMaker Pro?

There are many DBMSs available, why should you chose FileMaker Pro? I have used many DBMSs in my life, on large mainframe computers, mini-computers, workstations, and personal computers. I even wrote a DBMS when a comercial product wasn't available. Yet for the last 15+ years I have almost exclusively used FileMaker Pro, for both my own needs and for my clients.

Why do I use it? And why should you?

You should consider FileMaker Pro because it is easy to use, simple to set up, and works natively on Windows, Macintosh and iOS devices. There are a great set of starter templates which quickly get you set up and going with many common tasks you may wish to accomplish. You may download FileMaker Pro and try it out for free for 30-days. See for yourself how easy it is to use.

And when your needs are greater, we can quickly develop and deploy custom solutions to meet your needs. FileMaker Pro will work with your existing solutions, connecting to your existing Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL databases. Use Active (or Open) Directory to manage your users? FileMaker Pro can use your existing security infrastructure, including using SSL encryption for all data transfers. FileMaker Pro can drive all or parts of your website, and much much more.

And you can depend on FileMaker Pro to be there while your business grows. FileMaker Pro is produced by Claris International, Inc, an Apple company, the world's largest technology company. Founded in 1998, Claris International, Inc. has been profitable every year of it's existence—it is not going away.

To learn more about FileMaker, check out these resources:

  • FileMaker ’s Web Site
  • Why Claris?