NEW FILEMAKER PRO 5.5 IS FIRST SOFTWARE TO BE BOTH MAC OS X NATIVE AND
WINDOWS 2000 LOGO-CERTIFIED
New database software delivers multi-platform support, workgroup data
connectivity and easy Web sharing
SANTA CLARA, CA — May 14, 2001 — FileMaker announced today the U.S.
availability of FileMaker Pro 5.5 database software, which adds support for
native Mac OS X and Windows 2000 (logo-certified), enhanced connectivity
with corporate data sources, and rich new Web publishing features.
FileMaker Pro 5.5 is the world’s first software to both run in native mode
on Mac OS X, Apple’s next-generation operating system, and gain
logo-certification for Windows 2000.
Designed to increase productivity of knowledge workers and workgroups,
FileMaker Pro 5.5 makes it easy via dynamic two-way ODBC to connect
workgroup and corporate data. Its new record-level security and
server-related features also fit with IT requirements. Enhanced Instant Web
Publishing enables higher fidelity and increased functionality when working
with FileMaker solutions via a browser.
FileMaker Pro 5.5 is the flagship of a new product line including FileMaker
Server 5.5, FileMaker Pro 5.5 Unlimited for more robust Web publishing, and
FileMaker Developer 5.5.
The new line of software will meet the changing needs of workgroups by
adding support for several platforms:
* FileMaker Server 5.5 will run on Linux;
* FileMaker Pro 5.5 will support Citrix MetaFrame 1.8 for Windows 2000
Servers, and Windows 2000 Terminal Services;
* FileMaker Mobile, which runs on Palm OS today, will run on Pocket PC, and
will support the i-mode standard for wireless Internet services in Japan.
(Please see companion news release for details on new products and directions.)
“The essence of FileMaker endures in FileMaker Pro 5.5, so knowledge
workers can easily solve even more of their own information needs, creating
and sharing databases within workgroups,” said Dominique Goupil, FileMaker
president. “To be productive, workgroups need to connect with corporate
systems. With the new FileMaker Pro 5.5 dynamic SQL query feature,
corporate data sources can be easily integrated with workgroup solutions.
Users can run their own reports on corporate data sources, freeing valuable
IT time.”
Customers praise data connectivity, expanded platforms Data connectivity
and expanded platform support are among the new FileMaker Pro 5.5 features
praised by customers who evaluated beta software.
“I am particularly impressed with the integration with Microsoft Office. My
corporation relies on both Microsoft Office and FileMaker, and since they
can talk to each other, many tasks can be automated,” said Ihor Lukiw,
senior scientist, Schering-Plough Research Institute.
“The most significant feature from WizardWorld.com’s perspective is the SQL
query functionality,” said Jeff Hanes, database engineer, WizardWorld.
“Since all of our live data resides in an Oracle database, this will allow
us to access our data with a much more user-friendly and cost-effective
interface. By using the SQL query function, we will be able to generate
reports in FileMaker, using FileMaker layout tools. This will save us a
great deal of time and money, as high-end professional reporting tools for
Oracle can be prohibitively expensive and difficult to configure. With
FileMaker, I will be able to generate custom reports without having to
learn a new software package.”
According to senior IT analyst John Feinberg, Hoffman LaRoche, “For
corporate or mid-size users, it is rare that data stands alone, and now
FileMaker 5.5 makes it more useable in a corporate environment. With
version 5.5, you can now build databases quickly and use them in a
corporate setting.”
New Features in FileMaker Pro 5.5
FileMaker Pro 5.5 is available today in the U.S. for $249 (suggested
single-unit price; volume license pricing available) at the FileMaker Store
((http://store.filemaker.com/)http://store.filemaker.com/), from your local
resellers, or by calling 1-800-325-2747. See
(http://www.filemaker.com/products/fm_requirements.html)www.filemaker.com/products/fm_requirements.html
for system requirements.
New features include:
Mac OS X native (Carbon): FileMaker Pro 5.5 is one of the earliest native
productivity applications for Mac OS X. It takes advantage of the color and
fluid motion of the Aqua interface, and the stability and reliability of
Mac OS X. FileMaker Pro 5.5 for Mac OS X also allows PDF files to be stored
in container fields, making it easy to manage or archive important
documents in a FileMaker solution.
Windows 2000 logo-certified: FileMaker Pro 5.5 has passed the stringent
requirements of the Windows 2000 Certification program, ensuring that it is
a well-behaved application which runs reliably on the Microsoft Windows
2000 family of operating systems. Certified applications require less
administration and downtime, and can help workgroups maximize their Windows
2000 investment by taking advantage of Windows 2000 technologies and
features. FileMaker Pro 5.5 also delivers full support for the
accessibility features in Windows 2000, providing greater usability for
sight-impaired users.
New dynamic SQL query feature: Corporate data sources such as Microsoft SQL
Server, Oracle and SAP can be easily integrated into FileMaker Pro 5.5
workgroup solutions. Knowledge workers can automatically run their own
reports on corporate data sources, freeing valuable IT time.
“SQL Execute” script step: IT developers and administrators can automate
SQL data exchange for users via the new “SQL Execute” script step. Once a
developer has created a script, launched by clicking a button, a user can
update ODBC data sources, without writing any complex SQL queries.
Enhanced Instant Web Publishing: FileMaker Pro 5.5 can publish a solution
to the Web with higher fidelity and interactive buttons. FileMaker Pro 5.5
Instant Web Publishing now supports relational value lists, multi-step
scripts, professional table view layouts, and JavaScript-based button
roll-overs. The FileMaker Pro 5.5 Web Companion, with a new multi-threaded
HTTP Server (1.1 standard) delivers data faster than ever.
New data exchange features: Easily import and format data from Excel
workbooks even if not in one orderly table, and from Excel named ranges;
FileMaker Pro 5.5 now uses the standard QuickTime graphics engine to
translate foreign graphics formats into formats that can be displayed in
container fields; PDF documents can be stored in container fields (Mac OS X
only).
Record-by-record access privileges: User access to data can be easily
controlled at the record level, adding another level of data security over
peer-to-peer and client/server networks and the Web.
Enhanced password security: New “Change Password” privilege lets IT
administrators prevent a user locking out other users.
Disable new database: New administrative option for IT management provides
greater control over the creation of new databases.
No idle disconnect: FileMaker Pro 5.5 will not “time out” and disconnect
when no user input is detected. This is useful when the software is running
as a Web or ODBC server, for example, and can be maintained like other
servers.
Note on FileMaker Pro 5.5 for Mac OS X: ODBC import, toolbars, the Send
Mail script step with mail.app, and FileMaker Mobile are not supported
under Mac OS X. Check www.filemaker.com/support for updates.
FileMaker is a leading provider to the growing Web-publishing and workgroup
database markets. FileMaker lets departments and teams create databases to
manage and track projects, assets and people. Its award-winning FileMaker
line of database software provides relational power, instant and custom Web
publishing and legendary ease-of-use. FileMaker is the database software
subsidiary of Apple Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL).
Customer Contact: 1-800-325-2747 (for information and to order).