Author: Justin Hesser

When it comes to education, student assessment is a major tool to help schools and educators ensure that young people are acquiring the knowledge needed to meet today's challenges. In many instances, this means standardized testing, which is falling out of favor with more and more educators, as the belief is that these tests are actually counter-productive as teachers end up more concerned teaching for the test instead of providing a well-rounded education.

However, there are other tools out there that provide a more continuous assessment and guidance of students throughout their education. A recent article from the Sydney Morning Herald profiled former teacher and educational software developer Frank Ryder and Apple Distinguished Educator Gary Bass. The duo is responsible for a mobile application called Rubrica, which runs on an iPad and is powered by FileMaker.

Rubrica is a rubrics manager and tool for teachers. Rubrics have been around the educational landscape for decades and interest in them has increased in recent years as demand on teachers and students has increased. They help teachers deal with problems by creating a continual assessment and responding to the widely varying needs of students individually, in class or in a learning space. This helps educators better understand what students are good at, where trouble areas are and how performances might improve.

''The whole idea of student learning is that you want generous effort and improvement,'' Bass told the news source. ''You don't want minimal effort to achieve a desired score; not just get a score, but put in value and interpretation. Assessment is about the standard you achieve, not when you did it [as a single-shot examination shows]."

Bass went on to say that this is created by developers who had access to a high level of technology. However, there was a feeling that educational software was being used for trivial programs when it could be used to improve a number of things, most noticeably assessments.

This change is needed because the traditional way of handling assessments no longer works. For a process that has such high stakes, it is onerous and time consuming, while there is technology available that can make the process easier and more effective. It makes the need for a single standardize text obsolete.

''An example is dance,'' Ryder told the news source. ''It's more qualitative than quantitative. But you can use a rubric with a set of descriptive things that the assessor is looking for, and so an assessment can be done."

The App works with FileMaker Go and runs on an iPad. It allows teachers to load their student roster, track their progress against the rubric and leave comments. Completed assessments can be printed or transferred to other teachers and schools if the student was to be moved. Everything is stored locally, meaning there is no possibility of a network or cloud breach gaining access to the information.

This move by Bass and Ryder show what is possible when the latest technology is used to improve an older system. With the help of a FileMaker developer, any business can start taking steps to create a custom piece of software and redefine a traditional process.

Every business considering a partnership with a FileMaker developer is going to have questions. In this series we will address the frequently asked questions that our customers have about our services.

Answer: You would be hard pressed to find any company that only uses one software suite. While an organization is certain to rely heavily on one or two systems in particular, the nature of business means companies are using or have used a multitude of different solutions.

For businesses that have operated for some time, it is possible that multiple systems are still in use. As the business landscape has evolved, it is not unheard of for a company to bring in new systems and try to incorporate it with the existing solutions.

Once this has happened, some aspects of older software may prove to be the best way for a company to handle business. This creates a hodgepodge of solutions that an organization is now using to hand the core data and processes of their business.

The problem with this is that it can now become difficult to try and move onto a new system. This is where partnering with a software provider that is not stuck in a silo becomes crucial because it provides organizations with one place to go for all their questions.

While Kyo Logic's main focus is FileMaker, we also offer support to SQL, Websites, PHP and Ruby. We can also handle a full integration with Microsoft systems, which are the most popular business suite on the market.

For many businesses, software can be a pricey purchase. However, a keen eye will be able to pick up deals that can help them get their hands on the latest software at a fraction of the price.

According to a recent press release from the company, FileMaker has announced that starting today users will be able to buy one copy of FileMaker Pro 13 Advanced ($549) and get a second downloadable copy for free. This second version can be accessed by the user or given away to a friend, colleague, client or charity. The offer will expire on June 10, 2014.

This can be a great way for organizations and consultants to get their hands on this powerful tool. FileMaker Pro 13 Advanced includes everything in the suite of advanced development and customization tools. It allows organizations to easily create and use these personalized business solutions that run on iPads, iPhones, Windows, Macs and the web.

"There is strong demand worldwide for skilled FileMaker developers within all types of organizations and also within firms specializing in FileMaker consulting," Ryan Rosenberg, vice president, marketing and services, said in the press release. "This limited offer will encourage new FileMaker developers to create innovative solutions on hot platforms like iOS and the web."

The offer is limited to one per person, per household or company. It is valid for downloadable versions of the software and the free version is a fully operational one with no restrictions.

With the help of a FileMaker support service, any organization will be able to gain a hand implementing and mastering this hardware in a meaningful way.

Every business considering a partnership with a FileMaker developer is going to have questions. In this series we will address the frequently asked questions that our customers have about our services.

Answer: While many business decision makers are starting to get on the big data bandwagon, one of the most challenging aspects of deploying a new solution is being able to take older data and incorporate it into current strategies.

Organizations could be gathering this information for years, and it is a disservice to leave it behind when adopting a new system like FileMaker. In many cases, this older data can still be immensely valuable for examining trends.

It is critical for companies regardless of how long they have been in business, as any past information can be an important piece for a current decision.

At Kyo Logic, we can help extract data from older systems including Google docs and Excel. This can be done through the built-in tools of the system that allow information to be imported and exported with a few simple clicks.

We also have a series of custom apps at our disposal to help organizations extract information from more sophisticated applications like Access, FoxPro and more.

For every organization, the key to adopting big data and being able to gain thoughtful insights is by having a complete collection of information. However, bringing data that could be spread across multiple platforms together is the key to success. Kyo Logic can help any business, big or small, take these multiple data points and bring them under the FileMaker name.

Industry conferences are a great way for professionals to network with like minded individuals and examine ways to push the sector to a new level. It is also a great opportunity to attend seminars and presentations that are lead by industry experts. Here, attendees can learn new skills, think differently about a standard solution or look into a proposed future.

FileMaker has been positively affecting the enterprise since the early 1980s. In July the company will hold its annual Developer Conference, but it is far from the only gathering of FileMaker professionals.

Tomorrow the Conference of Quebec Developers for FileMaker 2014 (CQFD) gets underway. This will be the 4th edition of the event. 

Not only will Kyo Logic in attendance, but our co-founder and president John Mathewson will be presenting. Scheduled for tomorrow (May 2) morning at 11:30 a.m., the presentation is called  "Building Applications on a Budget with Reusable Code."

This is a topic that Mathewson has highlighted over the past few months including during a  Webinar in September last year. It will focus on the practice of reusable code during the development process. This includes FileMaker anchor bouy and naming conventions plus the functions promoting reuse It also covers several reusable scripts that include navigation, sort, tab switching and referential integrity.

The 60-minute session will feature a presentation by Mathewson and will be followed by a question and answer portion.

A quick look at everything you need to know:

Previsionary Title: Building Applications on a Budget with Reusable Code
Format:  60-minute session (Q&A included)
Date & Time: Friday May 2 2014 at 11:30 a.m.

Every business considering a partnership with a FileMaker developer is going to have questions. In this series we will address the frequently asked questions that our customers have about our services.

Answer: In today’s business landscape, having a website is crucial for business success.The increasing use of mobile devices and the always connected consumer base has made it a necessity for organizations to have some form of an online presence, and the more engaging it is, the better.

Despite being a database solution, FileMaker is designed in such a way that it is perfect for integrating or even hosting with a website. By partnering with Kyo Logic, we can help take FileMaker and add it to your business’s website.

There are two ways that this can happen. The first is by building a traditional website with FileMaker as the web server. This is the more popular option, and one that was are highly skilled at. FileMaker has evolved to become an excellent front end for websites.

The database is capable of PHP libraries to support any website. It can handle services like SOAP, WISDL and more. Sometimes, there may be an additional plug-in required for success.

The second is through the use of the new WebDirect feature that is a part of FileMaker 13. We profiled the new direct feature back at the beginning of March and covered what the critics thought of the solution. It helps add FileMaker features to a web browser and is recommended for a site that would have up to 50 concurrent users.

Many new software solutions seem like they would require individuals to receive a certification just to be able to speak intelligently about them. This is not surprising, as software systems have been evolving and require individuals to have a deeper knowledge in order for them to be successful.

This week, FileMaker announced that it has made a certification program for the FileMaker 13 Platform available immediately. This is an official credential offered through the company and is a key qualification for developing professional FileMaker solutions for iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and the web.

"Certification is now more important than ever," said Ryan Rosenberg, vice president of marketing and services for FileMaker, Inc. "The FileMaker Platform is expanding, and platform-based business continues to grow. Hiring organizations see certification as a clear differentiator and we have seen strong demand for the services of FileMaker certified developers both as in-house developers and as consultants."

To become certified, FileMaker developers must pass an exam that is available through the website. It tests those taking it on knowledge and skills for developing and deploying customer solutions using FileMaker 13. It can also be taken by those looking to further their careers in the industry.

There are no prerequisites for taking the exam and individuals are able to self train themselves through programs offered by FileMaker.

Companies that are FileMaker certified are able to confirm their value to customers who are looking for a helping hand when it comes to FileMaker support. This adds a level of confidence that every organization is looking for in a third party solution provider.

While New York City is trying to stake a claim as the Silicon Valley of the east, with varying levels of success, there are surrounding areas that want a piece of that title. While Boston has long been the title holder, Connecticut is starting to make some waves.

According to a recent article from The New Haven Courant, despite only being a few months into 2014, Connecticut has already experienced more venture capital poured into the IT landscape than it has in years. So far there have been three major investments that tally $189 million.

The piece cites a MoneyTree Report that found the first quarter of 2014 was more than three times as large as any quarter in the previous two years. While the focal point is on the three major deals, there are several other partnerships that total an additional $12 million.

"The large quarter for tech investments does not necessarily mark a trend, as venture capital deals don't follow a clear pattern from quarter to quarter," the article reads. "But the New York metro region, which includes Fairfield and New Haven counties, has had two straight quarters with deal levels not seen since 2001."

The article adds that so far in 2014, $9.5 billion has been invested in tech firms. That is the highest number since early 2001.

The Connecticut technology landscape is of to a stellar 2014. This is the perfect time for local companies that were considering investing in new hardware and software to start doing so by partnering with a local IT solution provide or specialty companies like a Connecticut FileMaker developer.

Every business considering a partnership with a FileMaker developer is going to have questions. In this series we will address the frequently asked questions that our customers have about our services.

Answer: April is the month of taxes and businesses across the world will be using QuickBooks accounting software when they file their yearly report. It has been on the market since 1983.

The Inuit software has several features that helps organizations run their business. This includes remote access capabilities, remote payroll assistance and outsourcing, electronic payment functions, online banking and reconciliation. It can also be incorporated with Excel spreadsheets and additional employee tracking options. There is also an online portion and a specific point of sale solution that can be used to replace a cash register, track inventory, sales and customer information.

Because the software has become so popular, many other software solutions that are used to help manage a business need to be incorporated with it. One of these is FileMaker, and with the help of Kyo Logic, these two solutions can be paired together to improve overall operations.

There are two different ways that this can be accomplished, depending on how advanced of a solution you want to use. The first is a plug-in that provides true integration between FileMaker and QuickBooks, though this is a more advanced approach.

IIF files provide a more convenient and accurate way to get info from one system to another in a quick batch process. While, IIF files many now be fully integrated, but are simpler.

The business technology landscape is constantly evolving. For organizations, it is becoming increasingly important to keep an ear to the ground and make sure they are keeping up with the times. Organizations that fail to do that could find themselves outdated and suddenly scrambling to catch-up.

One area of business that has been evolving quickly over the last few years is the database. With more solutions becoming digital, the amount of information that is suddenly available is growing. However, managing all of this data has become increasingly difficult.

A recent article from Database Trends and Applications spoke with Anne Buff, a Thought Leader for SAS Best Practices at SAS Institute. The interview was held in preparation of the upcoming Data Summit that will be held in New York from May 12 through 14. Buff will be one of the keynote speakers delivering a speech called "Oh, Shift! How Big Data Is Calling for an Enterprise Data Rethink."

Her biggest point is that data strategies are evolving and many organizations need to take some time to re-evaluate what they do.

"Big data is still in its early stages. A lot of that is because people don't quite know what they are going to do with it yet," said Buff. "They know what it is, they know where they can get it but they have not quite figured out what they are going to do with it. Right now one of the biggest things is just trying to define what big data means to an organization."

With the help of a managed IT services software provider, any company can start revamping its strategies and improve how it uses data.