FILEMAKER, INC. SHIPS FILEMAKER PRO 4.1 FOR WINDOWS AND MAC OS
New ODBC import lets workgroup database solutions fit with enterprise data
standards
SANTA CLARA, Calif., September 21, 1998 — FileMaker, Inc. today announced
the immediate availability of FileMaker Pro 4.1 for Windows and Mac OS, the
newest version of the world’s most popular standalone desktop database
software application. Now featuring a new built-in intuitive ODBC SQL Query
Dialog, the new version lets users query ODBC data sources without
requiring SQL programming expertise. With ODBC importing, users can easily
query, generate reports, and analyze data all within the same FileMaker Pro
database environment. Renowned for its unique combination of power and
ease-of-use, FileMaker Pro lets everyone in the workgroup track, manage and
analyze business information.
With FileMaker Pro 4.1 users may either seamlessly import data into a
pre-existing FileMaker database or actually create a completely new
FileMaker Pro database directly from such data sources as Oracle 7,
Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access 97 or Microsoft Excel. Once a SQL
statement is executed within FileMaker Pro 4.1, an entire database,
complete with data and fields is created automatically. Built-in
Internet/Intranet capabilities let users easily publish live databases to
the Web in just a few mouse clicks!
“Increasingly, workgroups within the enterprise are turning to FileMaker to
solve their departmental information-management problems. New ODBC import
means FileMaker Pro 4.1 will fit with enterprise standards while continuing
to supply quick, inexpensive, easy to deploy database solutions,” said
FileMaker, Inc. president, Dominique Goupil.
Other new features offered within FileMaker Pro 4.1 include recognition of
the new currency symbol for the euro (ECU) and support of the Kiosk Mode
feature created by FileMaker Pro 4.0 Developer Edition.
Beta Users Comment on FileMaker Pro 4.1 ODBC Advantages “The ODBC importing
capability is primarily useful as a reporting tool, since FileMaker is so
easy to use,” says Sean Downey, director of software development,
GreenPages, an $87 million computer reseller located in Kittery, Maine.
“It’s a great way for end-users to get at corporate data resident on
database systems. It’s just an easier tool than the other high-end
reporting tools,” Downey said.
“The SQL statement builder (within FileMaker Pro 4.1) is easy,” said
Angelica Beach, associate information systems analyst, California
Department of Food and Agriculture.
FileMaker Pro 4.1 Builds SQL Statements Automatically or Manually FileMaker
Pro 4.1 allows users to directly access data that is stored in ODBC/SQL
compliant databases. Instead of having to learn SQL, users of FileMaker Pro
4.1 can simply use the point and click interface of the ODBC SQL Query
Dialog to quickly create SQL statements. Conversely, experienced SQL users
can manually create complex SQL commands, if desired. The same commands can
be stored as scripts for creating such routine tasks as sales or inventory
reports.
Pricing, Requirements and Availability
Available at a estimated retail price of $199 U.S. ($149 for users of
previous versions of FileMaker Pro and users of Microsoft Access 95 and 97,
Lotus Approach 96 and 97, Corel Paradox Versions 7 and 8, and Acius 4D
Versions 3 and 6.) FileMaker Pro 4.1 ships with the following ODBC 30-day
trial drivers from INTERSOLV, Inc., which are certified for use with
FileMaker Pro 4.1: Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle 7, Microsoft Access 97,
Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows and Excel 98, and Text Files. Other
non-certified ODBC Drivers may be used but are not certified by FileMaker,
Inc. for use by FileMaker Pro 4.1 users.
For Windows users, FileMaker Pro 4.1 requires an Intel-compatible computer
with 16 MB or more RAM (8MB RAM minimally), CD-ROM drive and hard drive
running on Windows 95 or Windows 98, Windows NT 3.5.1 or later, Windows for
Workgroups 3.11 or Windows 3.1 (Windows NT 4.0 or newer required for
FileMaker Pro 4.1 ODBC importing and Windows 3.5.1 or newer required for
Web publishing features of FileMaker Pro 4.1). For Mac OS users, a
Macintosh, Power Macintosh or other Mac OS (System 7.1 or later) based
computer with CD-ROM drive and hard drive is required with a recommended 16
MB RAM (8MB RAM minimally) or more. Networking support is outlined
separately within a product fact sheet at www.filemaker.com. Volume pricing
information on FileMaker Pro 4.1 is available by calling 1-800-725-2747 or
at www.filemaker.com. Canadian pricing is available through qualified
resellers.
With over four million units of FileMaker Pro software distributed,
FileMaker, Inc. is making sense of information for customers ranging from
SOHO to the enterprise. Its award-winning FileMaker Pro line of database
software provides relational power, instant and custom Internet publishing
and legendary ease-of-use. Its unique blend of power and ease has fueled
significant growth. Sales of FileMaker Pro for Windows have tripled in the
past two years, complementing its long-time leadership among Macintosh
database software.
Customer Contact: 1-800-986-2249 (24-hour ordering); 1-800-325-2747
(pre-sales information), www.filemaker.com