Frequently asked questions about FileMaker

What is FileMaker?
FileMaker is the world's leading ODBC workgroup database software with more than 10 million users to its credit.
It can be developed to provide powerful solutions for almost any conceivable business.

Will FileMaker run on both PCs and Macs?
Yes, FileMaker is truly cross platform. Any PC (running Windows) or Macintosh (running OS9 or OS10) connected to a network can have access to a FileMaker solution.

We have several clients, especially within the publishing sector, for whom we have implemented this integration.

FileMaker also runs on Linux and supports standards such as ODBC, JDBC and XML.

Do any blue chip companies use FileMaker?
FileMaker is used by organisations of all sizes and industry sectors, from the smallest of professional practices, to the top of the FTSE 100.
Here are just some of the businesses that are currently using FileMaker.
Adobe, BBC, Black & Decker, Boeing, Cadbury, Comic Relief, Conde Nast, D&B, Film Four, FT, Jongleurs, NASA, Nokia, Nortel, Novell, Pizza Hut, Planet 24, Pret-a-manger, Reuters, Sothebys, Tesco, United Airlines.

Chris Scott of Adobe systems said of FileMaker "FileMaker is a great improvement over our previous database software in that it provides a level of speed that was just not possible before."

What about its capacity - How much can FileMaker really handle?
FileMaker 7.0's current storage limit is 6 Terrabytes per file (6144 GB) (6,291,456 MB)

We have mail order businesses processing c.2000 new orders per day through FileMaker with upward of 227,000 customers on file at any one time

What's more, these call centres are trusting FileMaker to run their entire operation from the initial order taking (via call centres & websites) through to payment processing, warehouse fulfilment (via barcoding) and full stock control (including semi-automated re-ordering)

How flexible is FileMaker?
FileMaker benefits from an active community of third party developers providing plug-ins for almost every conceivable scenario from barcoding and credit card processing through to Biometrics security and bridges with off-the-shelf accountancy packages.

How do I share a solution across my office network?
The FileMaker solution needs to be installed onto either a PC or Macintosh server with a fixed IP address.

Can home workers link into FileMaker?
Yes, home workers with either a dial up account or broadband can link into the solution held on the office-based main server and work on it as if they were in the office.

How does FileMaker compare to Microsoft Access?
The conclusion reached by 'Connecting Data' in a comprehensive study commissioned to compare FileMaker Pro and Microsoft Access was:
"Writing a solution in Access for a rapidly expanding workgroup will quickly put you up against the wall and will force you to upgrade to SQL server. FileMaker allows you to grow with your workgroup size without major rewrites or major software upgrades"

'Time to Deep-Six Access'
FileMaker Pro 7's new relational capabilities and enhanced granular security put Microsoft Access in the crosshairs.
Read Info World's full review
Why FileMaker has the edge over MS Access!

Will FileMaker work with Microsoft products?
Yes, FileMaker 6.0 has been designed to work in conjunction with the Microsoft suite of office tools such as Word, Excel and Outlook.
We have developed many solutions that incorporate a 'bridge' between FileMaker and Outlook for the management of emails and emerges.
FileMaker can instantly convert Excel into highly functional and modifiable data solutions that allow individuals to sort, search, report, track, link and summarise with ease.

What kind of costs are we looking at for licensing?
FileMaker licences are sold on a 'one off basis' (in other words, you do not pay an ongoing yearly licencing fee).
Any upgrades that you choose to purchase at a later date, however, are subject to additional charges.
You will need one server licence (for hosting the solution) in addition to one user licence per computer on the network requiring access to the solution.
The current RRP for licences are as follows:
FileMaker server @ £769.00
FileMaker users @ £219.00 each
So a ten user network, for example, would cost £2,959.00 plus VAT.
(This does not, of course include the development fees, which are estimated on the basis of your requirements)

(All prices are exclusive of VAT and delivery and were correct at time of last publication)