FileMaker Pro 5.5

Whether you're transitioning from spreadsheets to more versatile databases or looking for a powerful database program even non-geeks will love, it's hard to beat FileMaker Pro 5.5. Designed with plenty of input from users, third-party developers, and OS mavens, it is one of the simplest, most flexible data management systems available.p Cross-platform interoperability extends from Mac OS X to Windows 2000, Red Hat Linux, handhelds, and beyond. With a broad range of ready-built business templates and strong import features (like drag and drop from Microsoft Excel), the typical user will be up and running on the first day, sharing data over intranets, LANs, or the Web. SQL queries are a snap, as are ODBC exchange and instant publishing--all new features that were built in after listening to input from FileMaker Pro users. The graphics are slick and easy to customize, and users won't have many surprises when they publish their work; in this case, what you see really is what you get.p Despite its relative simplicity and promises of ease of use, newcomers to FileMaker Pro should expect to spend more than a few hours exploring and familiarizing themselves with the features. Those with no database experience will have a tougher time, but persistence pays off and the rewards are well worth the effort (the online help and customer service support should make this process a little sweeter). Additional incentives include record-level security, added scripting steps, and easy send-mail options.p Nobody ever said managing a business was simple, but FileMaker Pro 5.5 will take a load off your mind. i--Rob Lightner/i

FileMaker Pro combines powerful information management and surprising ease of use. It handles all business data-management needs, including job tracking, asset management, inventory, customer information, and payroll, over the company intranet, local area networks (LANs), or even wired or wireless handhelds.pThis version of FileMaker Pro has many enhancements based on input from users, IT management, and third-party developers. It can now query databases based on field, and features a new Execute SQL script step, as well as a revamping of the Instant Web Publishing that allows users to publish in the same format as their FileMaker Pro files, without writing any code.pThe Web Companion translates a number of multistep scripts, providing a high degree of fidelity between PC-hosted FileMaker Pro databases and those published on the Web. You can also import specific-named ranges of Microsoft Excel data, a useful feature if there is more than one row of description or label data above the actual datasheet data to be imported. With a new multithreaded, built-in HTTP server, the processing capability of FileMaker Pro delivers faster response times for all requests including static data and image displays. Web Companion now supports buttons in headers and footers, sorting by clicking column headers and uniform row heights.pThis version will enable data access control to individual records: users can specify comprehensive calculation formulae to restrict browsing, editing, or deleting records, based on the user's password. A new interface has been introduced so that FileMaker Server guests can now remain connected even if they have been idle. This prevents users from being disconnected from a file that is being hosted on the Internet by a client that is being used as a Web server.