Rating:  - Outstanding product that empowers users and designers alike!
Greetings Amazon reviewers..
Now that you've read the Microsoft commercial below from:
"Reviewer: Andre Da Costa (see more about me) from Jamaica W.I."
Here's the truth, this product has the capabilities for implementing a client / server database network easier than anything currently on the market! And the client / server capabilities are built in! And it doesn't matter if it's based on the PC OR the MAC. Further, once designed and implemented, will work seamlessly with both platforms on the network. Additionally, after extensive research for an insurance client that I just completed designing a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) for, it was BY FAR the least expensive alternative, ESPECIALLY relative to Microsoft. In addition, it has the lowest overhead (computing hardware/software requirements) relative to anything of its capabilities on the market. You can reference these system requirements (along with features) at their web site that really gives a good deal of information. Note these minimum requirements that most systems can easily handle these days:
(compare these minimum requirements to the latest version of Microsoft's Access or any other database for that matter)
PC
· Intel Compatible 90 MHz Pentium or higher
· 32 MB of RAM (or more)
· Windows 98, Me, NT4 (SP6), 2000, XP
Mac
· Power Mac or higher
· 32 MB of RAM
· OS 8.6 - 9.22
Mac OS X
· Apple G3 or higher
· 128 MB of RAM
· OS X 10.1
The client had older PCs using Windows 98SE. Obviously, I used the PC version of the software which is very similar to the Mac version. If I had decided to implement a Microsoft "solution" it would have involved upgrading not only the hardware but the operating systems too. Then, the cost of the Access copy doesn't come cheap if you haven't compared lately. FoxPro didn't fair any better, SQL Server worse. Especially in a clent <==> server design paradigm!
Bottom line, a fully customized relational database designed, developed and deployed in record time with minimal cost to the owner (no new hardware or operating systems) and working from initial installation to this day with minimal database administration. FULLY compatible with either PC or MACs on the network and future operating system upgrades on either platform. Personally, I'm pleased and I know a business that is extremely happy. Win-win situation..
One thing I found rather nice is you can download a 30-day free trial of the basic Filemaker Pro software at their web site to see if it meets your needs - certainly a nice gesture. (filemaker.com)
Rating:  - And it works with fine with Excel
An update to my earlier review: Filemaker works great with Excel (contrary to what an earlier reviewer guessed, apparently without testing). Last week I built a small Filemaker database to track contributors and potential contributors to a charitable group with which I work. Yesterday, I received an Excel spreadsheet from another member of the group, and it contained nearly 1,000 names, addresses, and phone numbers. Importing it was a snap: I simply used the "Import" function, choosing Excel as the file-type I wanted to import. Filemaker gave me a nice graphical interface to match Excel columns to fields in my database; it also gave me the chance to add a new field if necessary. Then a button click and the data imported cleanly and quickly, without any problems.
Rating: - Filemaker for productivity
We happen to develop Filemaker database systems for our customers. This product focuses on the productivity and you can in fact have a system working for you benefit in a couple of days. if you have a clear understanding of your bussines no matter what it is , Filemaker gives you the power to gather your data and transform it easily in information. You will soon be making better decisions and at the same time getting yourself in the process of improving your database. Only filemaker allows this. Another point is that Filemaker Customers are happy customers. They are in charge of their Bussineses informations system without having to rely in external , costly "access" consultants.....
Rating: - Forget the Access Guy
I have used both MS Access and three different versions of FileMaker Pro, including this one. FileMaker Pro is much easier to work with and very reliable (unlike Access, which constantly crashes and loses or garbles most of your valuable information each time it crashes). FileMaker Pro is very versatile, and I have no problem creating custom designs.
I have worked with some of the best software engineers in the country, and they are the ones who recommended FileMaker Pro to me.
Rating:  - Mac Users Yes, PC Users NO!!!!
First of all for Mac, users this is your only option for a good reliable, well known database, so I recommend it to them most of all. For PC users however, stay very far away, Microsoft Access has all the tools you need already. Based upon user experience, I think Microsoft Access is much easier, (read carefully now, before you judge my review). People say that FileMaker is the easiest database ever created, but they are dead wrong, they have never tried Access. Entering information into the database in FileMaker is like thorns in your finger, it is so difficult. I tried to enter the date for my music collection and it kept on giving me an error message that it should be done a particular way, I followed its instructions and still ended up with the same error. Creating reports is also painful, unlike Microsoft Access which uses a simple tabed interface you can immediately switch from tables to creating quries and beautiful reports. In FileMaker, the database uses some sort of Visual Basic interface to create reports, Access uses simple wizards to get you where you are going. Access is also more powerful in terms of integration with SQL, ODBC, other database server products so there is no conflict with your data. FileMaker is simple and too weak for users to spend upto $..., buy Access and you will never regret it. And with the integration between other MS Office products, you will be amazed. One of the features I love the most is the ability to create mail merge documents using database information from Access into Microsoft Word. Your able to easily convert a database from Access to Excel, vice versa easily. All of this would be a head ache in FileMaker. If you are on the Windows platform, certainly Access is the best way to go!
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