Choosing FileMaker - Are You Making the Right Decision?

Along with being a popular relational database application, FileMaker is also used by businesses as customer relationship management (CRM) software. The tools and technologies provided by the FileMaker Platform makes it easier for developers to custom business solutions that work seamlessly with Mac OS X, Windows and iOS. So you can consider using the FileMaker Platform to manage and share critical business data in an efficient and secure way. However, you also need to compare the important features of the most recent version of FileMaker according to your specific requirements.

Migrating to new FileMaker version - Things to consider

Why FMPro Latest? File maker is the flagship product from file maker Inc which is a subsidiary of Apple. Hence we can expect exceptional quality of reliability and performance from file maker pro. It has also proved its potential in the industry for more than a decade in MAC and iOS platform. The latest file maker pro has some advanced features like support for windows operating system, cloud technology, larger size of templates etc. This makes it much more useful and efficient than before. Hence file maker developers are trying to migrate their application to the latest version in order to gain those extra things for their application. Let us discuss some basic steps that we must consider for the migration process to be successful.

Informing developers with FileMaker developer conventions

One of the advantages for FileMaker developers is that they have the liberty to create and modify apps rapidly without any need to deal with the concerns that bother the other developers. The FileMaker Development Conventions (FDC) was created to promote professionalism as well as consistency for the all the solutions developed. In addition the FDC also offers full fledged guidelines on where to begin and which features might evolve in the long run.

Reviewing FileMaker Pro 13

FileMaker Pro 13, from FileMaker Inc. has come up with a wide range of advanced features that have simply enthralled the end users. Though opinions regarding this cross-platform relational database application varies, yet the crux or the bottom line of all those reviews are same – that the application is extremely handy when it comes to modifying the database, by dragging new elements into screens, forms or layouts.

FM Pro 13 has come up with some highly handy new interfaces along with some new development tools that really make the developers excited. Moreover, FileMaker Pro 13 has resulted in a substantial amount of cut off for the end users, by dropping the compatibility for Windows XP as well as Windows Vista. While the earlier version 12 had a predetermined bar on Mac OS X at Lion, the new version is designed to fill up that gap. This helps the developers to use it on older machines with the use of Chrome or Safari.

Users are particularly fond of the Pro, Server as well as the Advanced editions of FileMaker due the features these three editions come up with. The advanced version comes up with all the Pro features along with some astounding developer tools.

FileMaker Pro 13 also comes up with a guided tour, which provides the users a solid guidance on how to get started and create various solutions. Seasoned users have the option of creating a new database and use the database templates for that purpose. These templates, known as Starter Solutions, are actually pre designed database applications that come up with a number of event management apps, options for product cataloguing, time billing, and a lot more. These value added features are extremely popular and make using this application easier. These solutions can be termed ready-made as well as unique and can be customized for using them to meet the personal needs.

One fantastic thing that people love about the version 13 is the fact that the basic features have not changed since the incorporation of the version 12. This provides the users a golden opportunity to concentrate much on the new as well as value added features with greater intensity.

Another feature that is great about FM Pro 13 is its compatibility with the mobile world. The world of technology is getting more and more mobile. Keeping this in mind the developers have designed it in such a way that the apps become more user mobile friendly, particularly in case of devices with touch screens. For example, with the new version, users are able to incorporate newer features, which are common on various mobile devices. These features may include popover buttons, which are designed to provide the users all the additional information along with instructions, when clicking on a field. These popovers generally provide the users vital additional information or instructions upon clicking on a particular field. The mobile user interface experience can also be enhanced by adding objects like tab control buttons and slides.

Users have particularly liked the redesigning of four templates such as Contacts, Content Management, Invoice Templates, and assets. The updated ‘Assets’ template has worn a refreshing as well as a streamlined getup and includes multiple images of a particular item, thus extending the capacity of placing the images into the fields of ‘Container’, that was introduced in the earlier version.

Another lovable feature that comes with the latest version is the WebDirect. It provides customers the unique option of running their apps directly in a particular web browser, even if they do not have any skill or expertise in web development.

A very important feature that is hugely popular amongst the users in the inclusion of iOS keyboards. The users can specify the keyboard type that can be used for entering data like URL, phone, the 10 numerical keys and so on. Besides, the new version also comes up with as many as 50 new value added features that come in handy from time to time, although it is pretty difficult to review all of them in details one at a time.

You can hire developers from top custom filemaker development company in India who can help you for your requirements within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide custom filemaker development services. If you would like to discuss with our filemaker pro certified developers from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

HTML5 - Why should FileMaker Developers Care?

As cross-platform relational database software, FileMaker is being used widely by organizations to track a variety of data. The database tool is used for customer relationship management (CRM), inventory management, report generation and invoice generation. The latest version of FileMaker also comes with a set of new features, along with enhanced web deployment options.

It also supports HTML5, the technology being used by developers across the world to build rich web applications rapidly. As HTML5 is the combination of HTML, JavaScript and CSS, the technology is effective in optimizing the look and feel of web applications across web browsers. So the FileMaker developers must know HTML5 to deliver custom made solutions without putting any extra time and effort.

FileMaker 13 Features that Require Developers to Know HTML5

WebDirect
The FileMaker 13 comes with a marquee feature called WebDirect. The web-sharing technology enables developer to share the database through any web browser that supports HTML5. The FileMaker database can be further shared across HTML5-compatible browsers without requiring specialized web development skills. While accessing the databases online, users have to use an interface that resembles the interface included in the desktop app version of FileMaker.

So the changes made to the FileMaker database through the web reflect in the databases in real time. The users can further view and access the most updated information regardless their choice of client. The features will further make the updated information accessible to the users of non-FileMaker databases.

Browser-Based Admin Console
The most recent version of FileMaker also allows users to manage their FileMaker Server through a web browser-based admin console. The browser-based admin console runs seamlessly on HTML5-compliant browsers without requiring support for Java programming language. The feature makes database server administration clean, efficient and responsive.

Further, the FileMaker database can be administered without using any additional third-party software. With more and more organizations working with distributed teams, the feature makes it easier for the authorized users to administer the centralized database regardless of their geographical location. The updates will further reflect immediately in the databases in real time.

Web Viewer
Normally, HTML5 is used by developers to optimize the look and feel of a web page while being accessed on a web browser. But a FileMaker developer has option to generate HTML5 from within the calculation engine. The HTML5 generated within the calculation engine can also be included as part of the layouts and used as a fully integrated application. The developer can use the FileMaker Web Viewer as a tool to generate HTML5 that can be read by web browsers.

While using Web Viewer, the FileMaker developers are required to pass a calculation string as input to generate a properly formatted URL or a browser-readable page of text. Similar to other calculations, Web Viewer can be used to deliver a web experience that users can access and interact with as part of the FileMaker layouts. At the same time, the HTML5 on FileMaker Go can be generated with localized techniques.

So the output can be accessed by users on their iPhones and iPads without any internet connectivity. The programmers can avail the option to optimize the look, feel and performance of their FileMaker solutions. A developer can further integrate the feature seamlessly into the FileMaker application without having any programming skills. He can simply use his existing scripting and calculation skills to get the code from online sources.

The modern developers are required to integrate FileMaker and HTML5 to leverage the power of the cross-platform relational database software. When a developer has experience in HTML5 development, he can integrate the technology smoothly to easily applications that complements the varying needs of modern enterprises.

You can hire developers from top custom filemaker development company in India who can help you for your requirements within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide filemaker development services. If you would like to discuss with our filemaker developers from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Filemaker – Expanding Reach With HTML5 Solution Builder

The FileMaker Platform comes up with a number of user-friendly ways that help the users in providing various solutions. The list of added advantages that it offers, starts with Excel Data. The users can drag as well as drop the data in the FileMaker solution. Users can also view the Getting Started tours that are available in the FileMaker Pro along with FileMaker Go. This will provide an extensive overview of the way the products operate. FM also comes up with various highly useful tools that include Resource Center as well as a range of inbuilt Starter solutions for quickly creating different customized solutions that can satisfy the specific business needs of the clients.

Users can drag and drop the excel Spreadsheets for importing data from the Excel into FileMaker Pro instantaneously from Quick Start Screen. They can even save the data back into a typical Excel Sheet and send it via email to others in hardly any time.

Besides, users can import various data types as well and they include Tab, CSV, or XML and merge them into a definite database. In fact, there are as many as 16 Starter Solutions which are ready-to-use and come up with FileMaker Pro by default, for giving the solution an utterly professional look.

Contracts, assets, CMS along with Invoices Starter Solutions provide a fresh as well as innovative look, especially in the version 13 of FM. Features also include scanning bar codes, propovers, as well as slide controls.

The previous version of FM – version 12 emphasized more on iOS clients. However, the new version 13 comes up with an advanced database solution builder that has expanded its reach with the help of FileMaker WebDirect. It is a database tool that helps the users in creating customized HTML 5, along with a wide variety of browser-based solutions.

The earlier versions helped the web service providers offer various web based solutions with the use of PHP tools, that were specifically designed to help dealing with various data, viewing and using them for a wide range of purpose. All said and done, these were not rich as well as bi-directional solutions. This has changed with the introduction of the FileMaker WebDirect.

Introduction of FM WebDirect now helps users to collate each and every customer requirement. Besides, it also ensures browser accessibility. The users, especially those who work on laptops, can drag any image into a particular field. This image can subsequently be pushed or forwarded to all the users.

This has minimized the need of knowledge about PHP or JavaScript. Also, it has minimized the need of knowledge about writing CSS style sheet. In fact, the entire stuff is based on browser technology with no plug-ins as well as add-ons. The entire thing will operate in the definite browser.

Initially, the version 13 of Filemaker is designed to support the desktop browsers, and this support later on will include mobility solutions of open FileMaker on non-Apple Tablets as well as phones. There are plans to extend the support to all varieties of devices that are used by the users.

The newly developed iOS version of FileMaker comes up with upgraded as well as increased support for more number of iOS behaviors. These behaviours include popovers, gesture navigation, as well as slide controls. It can also understand and measure rotation and can adjust the layout for various aspects automatically. The database record takes the help of a special type of keypad that is specifically designed for entry of telephone numbers.

Besides, users can also use iPad for scanning the bar codes and snap photos that they can later on include in the records. FileMaker also supports a huge variety of virtual keyboards, which is one of the most attractive features.

Let us now in short discuss the value added features:

Redesigned Layout and Report Assistant
It creates various layouts as well as reports that are specifically optimized for iPads as well as iPhones. It comes up with predefined dimensions of screen, views, along with themes that make it easier when it comes to designing different types of iOS devices.

Popovers
This creates iOS-stylized popovers on devices like iPad, iPhone as well as desktop to collate fields, and links, along with other types of information, without the need of moving to any other windows or dimensions.

Slide control
It creates multiple-panel slide controls for managing images as well as other types of data in separate slide panels within the same layout. It also helps users to swipe for navigating between various panels on the FileMaker Go and click for moving between different panels in the FileMaker Pro.

New sets of iOS keyboards
It helps the users to choose one out of seven new keyboards for matching the type of data that one would like to collect. The new keyboard types include phone numbers, URL, email, and a lot more.

Bar code scanner
It helps the users to automatically scan bar codes with the help of iPads as well as iPhones with FileMaker Go. Users do not need to install plug-ins. They can access the scanned data from their laptops as well.

You can hire developers from top filemaker database development companies in India who can help you for your requirements within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide filemaker development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our filemaker certified developers, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solution.

FileMaker: A Credible Platform for Mobile Apps Development

Are you eyeing a mobile application development that can do away with the distribution via a huge consumer push on an application store? Well, thanks to the introduction of an advanced platform of database development, the thought has now actually become a reality. You can now consider achieving the purpose with the help of FileMaker application development. The subsidiary of Apple actually brings forth a good number of examples of small businesses benefiting from such a service introduction.

Today, a number of small businesses are using mobile applications internally to monitor and track chief business functions like inventory management. FileMaker makes absolute sense and stands as a great alternative for small businesses already using the software of database management to make the business process automatic. Additionally, it also stands as a great alternative for businesses wishing to develop specific applications pertaining to internal or in-store kiosks use.

Moreover, instances like organizations and businesses wanting to use mobile apps for better management have also become quite frequent these days. Today more and more businesses are willing to automate the entire manual process. Additionally, small retail stores are also looking forward to exhibit promotions and products in kiosks inside the stores.

A bit about FileMaker

The platform of database development of FileMaker involves a release of the application under Apple. The main aim of the platform is to stand as an alternative to application release for developers. Since, a number of FileMaker developers have already benefitted from the service, the recommendation of this particular application stands high. Add to this the supporting benefits of Apple and you know the reason behind such a wide range of acceptance.

Now, it is to be noted that the benefits of this application has specifically stood true for small businesses making use of mobile applications. However, it is to be remembered that most people tend to make a mistake in judging FileMaker as an option, especially in cases where it should emerge as the primary element of application distribution.

FileMaker Makes the Development Process Easy

Now, when it comes to designing a mobile application by making use of a FileMaker Pro, you will be delighted to know that the process involved actually tends to make the approach easier. The application platform comes loaded with templates that enable easy resize of existing applications allowing an access in a wide range of mobile device including the iPad.

If the mobile device features a touch-screen interface, even then the application hardly presents any problem. The fonts can be easily adjustable and the selection box sizes can be increased to suit the approach of a touch-screen interface. Additionally, FileMaker Pro when used as a development platform also allows distribution of applications via email alongside copying the same into iTunes. These usually tend to run on any mobile platform through the free mobile applications, FileMaker Go.

Additionally, there is also another scenario of distribution for small businesses that frees you from the worry of coordinating the information and prices of a mobile application with a desktop application. Investing in a release of FileMaker Server ensures an automatic update of mobile applications. This stands important in situations or cases where inventory and pricing information are subject to rapid changes. The application runs equally well on both Windows and Macintosh.

FileMaker Promotes Easy Usage Facility

Introducing a revolution in the world of small businesses through mobile applications has become easier with the service of FileMaker. All you need to do is download the application and indulge in the fun of developing software via the platform. This particular application is touted as an easy platform as against others benefitting small businesses largely.

Such enhanced and improved features of the application easily promotes the credibility of the same in the industry as small businesses can never go wrong with the platform and success is bound to come through its use. So, wouldn’t you want your business to taste success by indulging in the use of the FileMaker application?

We provide bespoke database development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert filemaker developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

Business Function Automation through FileMaker Software

FileMaker is one of the frequent database software options when users are considering creation of database without knowledge or expertise in SQL. Filemaker also helps immensely in crafting a low-traffic database primarily meant for internet use. This progressive yet simple tool comprises the world’s most reliable database application, facilitating development of business solutions at a comparatively faster pace and at affordable rates. Filemaker Pro enables end-users to conveniently publish data, update information and produce reports with some simple clicks. This effective development system operates on Windows computers and Apple Macintosh, and also has a mobile edition named FileMaker Go operating across iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad platforms.

On the whole, Filemaker application development is picking up steam because the software comes with a bouquet of beneficial features which can be broadly summarized as follows:

• User-friendly: Computer programs are termed user-friendly when their usability is not dependent upon the computer literacy level of the user. Both computer savvy individuals as well as novices would be able to fully utilize the specific computer program’s full capacity without spending extra effort or time. The user interface of Filemaker Pro is such that even a person who is not a database developer can use the program. Other relational databases call for adequate training, hence only people proficient with the database are capable of working with the same.
  
• Convenient to Begin: Businesses leverage databases for storing information regarding their clients, products, revenues, expenses and employees so that the data can be analyzed afterwards and proper business decisions can be made. Small businesses as well as other individuals, organizations and groups also need to use databases. The Filemaker software’s user interface enables even smaller users to start their own database without investing much effort or money.
  
• Trouble-free Expansion: Certain databases are user-friendly simply because they are not complete. This implies that such databases direct a considerable portion of their programming for developing the user-interface, with the result that not much is left for building the storage capacity. This problem does not arise with Filemaker Pro, which has convenient user interface as well as dedicated storage capacity. Hence a small business which leverages Filemaker in the initial start-up phase can continue to use the same when the business expands.

Driving Business automation with Ease

Let us consider the example of an invoice that requires reverse engineering. Time is required to synchronize all the fields and functionalities prior to entering the elements within a document. Spreadsheet is a handy tool for entering these requirements as they automatically form a list. Each field becomes a distinct data element such as customer name, invoice number, invoice amount, phone number and address.

Instead of gathering the elements and making spreadsheet entry, an invoice screen can be simply created in Filemaker software. Exhibiting behavior similar to a spreadsheet tool, FileMaker aids the entry of each element of data, including row entry in a spreadsheet. Following entry of each row, Filemaker generates a screen which possesses all the functionalities for inserting, deleting and updating. A robust tool set facilitates easy and quick manipulation of the objects and their placement at distinct page locations, after which logic is inserted for every data element. With simply a small number of clicks, the new features are ready to be utilized, and all this can be done while running the FileMaker application simultaneously.

A FileMaker developer proficient in Filemaker software capabilities and development methods can introduce more intricate features or go for integration of features from different installations. The flexibility of FileMaker software enables it to rope in functions and features developed through plug-in use at some other FileMaker installations. Plug-in usually means code packages that can be turned off and on while the software is in operation.

The software already comes with key applications for health, business and distribution services and hence does not require every feature to be programmed. Known as templates, these applications possess all functionalities for creating, printing, tracking as well as accounting for specific data types. Filemaker thus becomes an immensely versatile tool for business function automation empowering companies with features that offer convenient deployment and updations.

We provide database application development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert filemaker developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.