Category: Filemaker Development

We all remember the "I'm a Mac, and I'm a PC " commercials that ran from 2006 through 2009. They created the idea that Apple hardware and software was designed for the creative types and having fun, while the PC was the stuffy system needed for work. While it helped push the younger generation to look into the iMac and MacBook line, there was not much focus on the enterprise.

If your computing needs are spreadsheets, word documents and some of the more boring but critical uses, the PC can a better choice. This was because the ads focused more on making podcasts, movies, photos or listening to music. Later versions focused on viruses and mistakes within the Windows operating system.

Over the last few years, Apple has taken up a bigger push to show the potential of the Mac in the enterprise. Aside from specific price points and services that are only for corporate customers, each Apple retail store has a completely flushed out business sales team that specializes in implementing Apple products into the enterprise in an effective manner and supporting the unique needs of these consumers.

A recent article from ComputerWorld examined some of the more specific ways that Apple has been able to move past the image of being just for "creative types" with "shiny toys" and become a true company for the enterprise. The piece touches on iOS 7 and Mac OS X Mavericks improvements that were made just for businesses, the growing demand from companies and how the hardware has upgraded.

The article also covers how the database creation application FileMaker has become a key component to Apple's rise in the enterprise. The tech giant has owned FileMaker since the 1980s, and the technology has performed well from the beginning.

The latest version of the technology, FileMaker 13, came packed with some of the largest improvements to the database solution that is used by millions of consumers yearly. The piece said that there was some disappointment around FileMaker 12 because of a file format change to modernize the code. However, the new version takes this change and expands upon it to boost developer productivity when designing database-driven solutions for PCs, Macs, mobile devices and the Web.

One example of this is the improvements to real-time data collection and the ability to have all systems access that information at once. While the ease-of-use is still one of the top reasons to adopt the technology, it has improved the enterprise-level security, multiple developer features and productivity enhancements that could be as simple as adding a data entry keyboard to the iOS platform.

"We've made it easier to learn and more powerful and productive for developers using it on a daily basis," FileMaker product manager, Eric Jacobson, told the news source.

FileMaker has been one of Apple's main enterprise applications. With both Pro and mobile versions (FileMaker Go), the software has evolved over nearly 30 years to be a key system not only for Apple but also for many businesses. For companies that are looking for FileMaker help, a local software developer that specializes in the service can become a valuable solution provider to fully embrace the technology.

Yesterday, we continued our series looking at the new features of FileMaker 13. The focus this week is on the improved layout features that make the system easier for many organizations to use.

A recent article from Technology Tell dove deep into FileMaker 13, examining all of the new features. Throughout the review, the layout comes up.

There was one drawback that the review points out. This is in the pre-made layouts for the desktop that do not have a counterpart within the Touch layout. In FIleMaker 12, there were 35 desktop layouts and five of those were specifically designed with touch in mind. For FileMaker 13, the number of desktops increased to 42, but only nine of them are comparable with touch.

With how much support and focus is being put in FileMaker Go, it would seem like the touch/mobile landscape would have a bigger focus. However, it is important to point out that FileMaker 13 does have the ability to import layouts. This means that these numbers could start to even out as more desktop versions get touch comparable versions.

There was also another improvement to the layout that was not touched upon yesterday. One of the new features is WebDirect, which helps organizations transport their information to the Web. The new feature has modifying the database design with fields, layouts, scripts and relationships.

While there may still be a little work to make the system perfect, the layout upgrades allow developers to help users make more useful solutions. A FileMaker developer can help businesses use these new layouts to improve their databases.

When it comes to any software solution, simplicity is crucial for success. We are in the middle of a weekly series looking at how FileMaker 13 was upgraded to improve operations while remaining simple enough for users to understand and create with. This week, the focus is on the new layout enhancements.

There have been several improvements to the layouts in FileMaker 13. First is the enhancement to the container field which automatically get metadata from items stored in container fields using the "Get Container Attribute" functions. There are more than 40 attributes available.

The new system has calculated tab control titles and dialog button titles. There is also dynamic locale formatting for adding dates, times and numbers based on the system settings on the computer running the solution to make it easier to create solutions that will work in multiple geographic regions.

There are also improved script steps including HTTP post for uploading files and submitting completed web forms, triggers a script to perform on the server that it hosting the file and a refresh object script that steps updates the content, conditional formatting and visibility state for the specified object.

The layout redesign is also present in the new version of FileMaker Go and the iOS platform. It allows layouts and reports that are optimized for different devices. It also adds slide controls, swipe gestures and popovers.

These upgrades allow developers to help users make more useful solutions more efficiently than before. A Connecticut FileMaker developer can help businesses use these new layouts to improve their databases.

Yesterday, this blog gave a broad overview of the security features that were added to FileMaker 13. These include a powerful AES 256-bit encryption, visual encryption state indicator and SSL certification management system. While all of this is considered a major security enhancement, some are excited for one smaller feature – encryption of data at rest.

In a recent blog post for the FileMaker Forum, Steven Blackwell, who focuses on security, said the most significant enhancement is the improved protection for data at rest. This refers to information that is currently inactive and is stored physically in any digital form like in a database, spreadsheet or mobile device. It makes up one of the three stages of data, the others being “in use” and “in motion.”

Blackwell mentioned that now, more than ever before, organizations are under attack by different forms of cyber crime. This can either be a direct approach from criminals, or if a piece of malware is downloaded accidentally.

“For developers who support business areas with regulatory compliance requirements related to data confidentiality, the new encryption of data at rest will make securing the file much easier,” the article reads. “It can also provide increased confidence in the solution’s ability to meet those regulatory requirements.”

He added that for files containing sensitive, confidential or proprietary data that is not often in use, encryption of data at rest is highly recommended. Nearly all business solutions need to make sure data is protected in all three phases.

For companies that are using FileMaker, these new security features should allow them to release a sigh of relief.

For every business relying on the latest technology, security is a high priority. The Target network breach reiterates how important it is to ensure that every aspect of the business is safe and the system is examined with every update.

Any user that upgraded to FileMaker 13 since its release in December was met with several new security features that will help businesses rest a little easier.

The biggest addition is the ability to secure wherever it is housed—desktop, mobile device or serve—as well as when it is moving around the network or the web. This is done through a powerful AES 256-bit encryption that prevents unauthorized access though it does require FileMaker Pro 13 Advanced.

There is also a new visual encryption state indicator that is housed at the top of the page so users are always able to ensure there is a secure connection with the server and that all third-party certificates have been validated. It is easy to understand as it is represented by a lock symbol that turns green when a secure and trusted connection has been made.

There is also a new encryption state function that returns a value representing a file's current state of encryption. This function is used in FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Go.

Aside from encryption, there is also an improved SSL certification management system. Unlike years past, when using a single machine installation, users only need one certificate to support all clients including Pro, Go and WebDirect.

While this is a round-up of what the new security features are, there is still more to cover. Check back tomorrow when we will cover what could be the most significant upgrade — encryption of data at rest.

Earlier this week, our profile series on FileMaker 13 features explained Structured Query Language (SQL), which has been around since FileMaker 9. However, it experienced a big upgrade in FileMaker 12, which has continued to evolve in the latest iteration.

The positive feelings from experts about FileMaker 12, where ExecuteSQL was introduced, still remain. The new service brings a number of advanced features to database creation and gives developers the ability to apply SQL commands against the data of the current FileMaker file.

According to a review by Seed Code, one of the more exciting, but less obvious features in FileMaker 13 is an upgrade in the SQL syntax. This was not announced and was only known to those individuals that played around with the system or read the reference guide.

Specifically, article focused on two specific clauses “OFFSET” and “FETCH FIRST.” These are two functions that users of this system have been asking for some time. They provide the ability to filter results in different ways within the query and improve certain situations.

OFFSET allows users to skip a designated number of rows and display the results. FETCH FIRST lets users limit the number of results in the query.

While the ExecuteSQL feature takes away the “anyone can make a database” legacy that has made FileMaker so popular, it is there for those that choose to take the time to learn it. General users are still able to take full advantage of the solution, but there is now a powerful second level that advanced users can operate.

One of the most talked about features of FileMaker 12 when it launched in April 2012 was the inclusion of the ExecuteSQL (Structured Query Language). FileMaker 13 has improved the tool with increased functionality.

First off, it is important to note a few things. SQL has been a part of FileMaker since version nine. It is a process that allows databases to perform a "Find Request" as Filemaker developers call it. However, it is not done with a visual reputation of a database like using a relationship graph. It is widely used in most other database platforms and is completely text based.

SQL databases can be used as data sources in FileMaker's relationship graph, thus allowing the developer to create new layouts based on the SQL database, create, edit, and delete SQL records via FileMaker layouts and functions and reference SQL fields in FileMaker calculations and script steps. It is a cross-platform relational database application.

In addition to language for querying a database, SQL provides statements for performing data manipulation, which allow you to add, update, and delete data. SQL also provides statements for performing data definition. These statements allow you to create and modify tables and indexes.

The ExecuteSQL calculation function simplified the process by making it possible for users to perform many tasks without accessing the Relationship Graph. Previously, developers used plugins to expose the SQL underpinnings of FileMaker.

The function also means data queries can be made even when there is no specific layout. This reduces complexity and allows users to pull data independently of the layout. Information can be retrieved without creating any kind of relationship. 

Yesterday, this blog covered the FileMaker 13 feature WebDirect. The web technology allows businesses to take their databases easily onto the Web. While it is important to know what the new feature is, it is also key to understand how it works when in the hands of users.

It hit the selves back in December and users have had three months to play with it. Across the board, reviews of the system are positive.

Macworld described the HTML5-based FileMaker technology as "revolutionary." Despite being in it's first iteration, the program works well. In the testing, both Safari and Chrome were used and it was discovered that the system provides 95 percent of the experience of accessing the same database that works just as a database created in FileMaker should.

A review from Technology Tell called the system "truly spectacular."

"Once you've completed making your solution, you can post the solution into a FileMaker Server, and, well, that's it," the article reads. "Users can now simply direct their browser to the FileMaker Server and use the database pretty much as they would if they had FileMaker Pro on their computer."

Tim Dietrich, a database consultant, called the system "amazing" and noted that it will play a major role in the future of the FileMaker platform, but it will need to go through some growing pains before it is able to get there.

While WebDirect is still a new system, it is clearly impressing the technology community. A Connecticut FileMaker developer can help any business deploy these services.

In December of last year, FileMaker introduced version 13 for iOS 7 and Mac OS X Mavericks. It improved on the older model in several different ways, while also introducing a number of new features. One of the most intriguing is FileMaker WebDirect.

According to the company, WebDirect is a "breakthrough for web technology that runs custom business solutions directly in a web browser on a desktop or laptop." This is done without the requirement of web development skills and offers a full blown FileMaker experience.

So if you are a business looking to create robust web content, you no longer need to be familiar with custom coding tools like PHP, HTML5, CSS or JavaScript. All you need are the existing FileMaker skills to create access to your database through a web browser with just a few clicks.

Through this solution, companies also gain access to other features that include: desktop-style interaction with themes, styles, charts, menus and even the ability to drag and drop files into container field, real-time updates to data without refreshing the browser and automated processes that enable scripts, calculations and conditional formatting to validate data and streamline workflow.

FileMaker WebDirect can also be accessed through concurrent connections in FileMaker Server 13. One connection comes packed with the server at the time of purchase and can be purchased in groups of 5 up to 50 connections, which the service was tested for to ensure proper support.

With the help of a FileMaker developer, any organization will be able to gain a hand adopting the latest version of the database program.

As we've discussed on this blog in the past, FileMaker 13 has an exciting range of new functionalities. KYO Logic was excited to showcase some of the more powerful ones earlier this month, and would like to formally thank those of you that braved the snow to attend and share in the possibilities. 

Guests were treated to the presence of Mia Roop and Ronnie Rios, both of FileMaker Inc. Mr. Rios, who was the featured speaker at the event, is a Solutions Consultant at the company, and brought with him over 15 years experience in consulting and database software solutions development. For over half a decade, he wore an Apple badge providing pre and post-sales technical assistance to customers, developing internal systems and reporting tools, and ultimately growing into Technology Coordinator and Consultant roles. A FileMaker Certified Developer and Authorized Trainer, he also holds an MBA, several Apple certifications, and is fluent in Spanish.

He and Ms. Roop were instrumental in discussing some of the more powerful features, including FileMaker WebDirect, FileMaker Go, Custom Themes, Popovers and Slide Controls, Object Control Visibility, 256 bit AES encryption, and more. These tools are instrumental in creating user-friendly applications with better interface, security and mobility options. 

As Connecticut FileMaker developers, we at KYO logic were thrilled to not only have such knowledgeable guests from FileMaker, but also such interesting and engaged attendees. We hope you continue to check out this blog, and would like to once again extend our gratitude to those that were able to come.