Filemaker, a subsidiary of Apple, has just announced its 2013 version of its popular database application. The new version focuses on bringing desktop database solutions to the browser. New in Filemaker ’13, projects can now be managed through a centralized web dashboard, with options for partner portals and file hosting. More importantly, data entry can now be taken in a web interface — HTML5 powered forms enable businesses to manage their deployments on any PC or Mac, as there is no longer a reliance on having the native applications installed.
For iOS, data capture has also been greatly improved. Filemaker ’13 offers new behaviors for iPhone and iPad such as sliders and popovers, as well as gesture-based navigation between records. In addition, the app can now detect device rotation, meaning the custom input interface can be optimized for the user’s current screen orientation.
Filemaker ’13 also allows for barcode entry on mobile (using the device’s camera) and now offers seven types of soft keyboards, contextually dependent on the current data being manipulated (such as text, numbers, or date entry).
As usual, the annual update brings new themes (11 this time around) and new styles, which can be reused to keep a consistent look across the database interface. Filemaker ’13 also includes new security options, with universal support for AES 256-bit encryption across every endpoint (including mobile), a big draw for privacy-conscious businesses. There are also a slew of new developer hooks and triggers, which enable deeper customisation to the data entry UI for business that require it.
Filemaker is available from the company’s website; as before, the iOS app is available for free in the App Store. The full press release can be found below.
FileMaker, Inc. today unveiled the next-generation platform for business productivity: FileMaker 13. The new software makes it even faster and easier than ever for teams to create gorgeous, tailored business solutions for iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and the web that deliver significant productivity gains. “With FileMaker 13, any team can quickly create custom solutions that streamline their business processes while minimizing design time,” said Ryan Rosenberg, vice president of marketing and services for FileMaker, Inc. “The FileMaker 13 Platform gives organizations even more options for delivering powerful but easy-to-use solutions, including breakthrough web technology, along with impressive new design tools for iOS and desktops.” FileMaker 13 includes more than 50 new features. Chief among them are: FileMaker WebDirect, an entirely new, HTML5 browser-based technology that allows teams to create and deploy desktop-style solutions in a web browser with no programming skills required. Tools to create amazing iPad and iPhone solutions that support even more iOS behaviors, including slide controls, popovers and the ability to scan records using gestures. iPad and iPhone layouts can now be created in one step; and iOS solutions can include single-click capture of bar codes using on-device cameras and custom keyboards that speed data entry. Major improvements to design capabilities, including support for shareable custom themes and styles, and the ability to drag and drop data fields onto design layouts. More robust security, with AES 256-bit encryption that locks down data no matter where it lives – on iPad, iPhone, desktop or server. FileMaker Pro 13 Advanced is used to enable encryption. Dozens of new enhancements for solution developers, from the ability to hide or display objects on a screen based on business logic to easier integration with web applications. Simplified server administration, including an entirely new HTML5 administrative console in FileMaker Server 13 for managing business solutions from anywhere. Pricing and Availability All FileMaker 13 Platform software is available immediately. Monthly prices start at US$9 for FileMaker Pro; US$15 for FileMaker Pro Advanced, and US$29 for FileMaker Server under the FileMaker Annual Volume License Agreement, which is billed annually (minimum quantities apply). Traditional software licenses are also available starting at US$329 for new FileMaker Pro 13 licenses and US$179 for FileMaker Pro 13 upgrades. The FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone App is free from the iTunes App Store™. Server concurrent connections for FileMaker Go or FileMaker WebDirect are priced at US$25 per 5-pack per month, and are available from FileMaker and software resellers.
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Filemaker did this over ten years ago in the standard desktop version. I used the product for many data driven sites one of which was a work flow for selling on ebay. Than they got greedy and incorporated it into the server version only for ten times the money.
Where’s the iPad version? Why is there no decent database app on iOS? Completely baffling.
There is FileMaker Go for the iPhone and iPad check it out at http://www.filemaker.com/products/filemaker-go/
@israelanderson You could always try Tap Forms Organizer. It’s available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. http://www.tapforms.com
Do you need to convert Filemaker 12 databases in order to make them work with Filemaker 13 ?