Data entry couldn't be easier. For some formats, it's as simple as dragging and dropping folder contents, so multimedia management, for example, becomes almost trivial. FileMaker Pro's data manipulation tools are more powerful than before, which means administrators would do well to limit users or train them carefully. Searches, the meat of the package, are simple enough for beginners but offer enough complexity to keep power users happy. One new timesaving search feature is the extend/constrain function: if a search returns too few or too many results, it takes just one step to expand or contract search parameters.

Web-style integration in FileMaker Pro 6.0 has taken a huge step forward from version 5.5; the look and feel of the desktop is almost seamlessly translated to intranet application. However, those with more than 10 potential FileMaker users should pick up the unlimited-use version of the software. FileMaker can import and export XML, so data can be manipulated and then easily shared with non-users via a Web browser.

While there might be more powerful data management packages available, for a wide range of uses and users, FileMaker Pro 6.0 is tough to beat. --Rob Lightner

A robust alternative to tracking information with spreadsheets, FileMaker Pro 6 lets users efficiently exchange data and integrate with other applications via support for XML. Users can also import any file folder (containing text, sound, images, QuickTime movies, etc.) into a FileMaker database in a single timesaving step, or develop customized layouts and forms that can then be applied to other objects and text.

With this latest version, users can batch import digital images, text files, sound files, and more from a directory by using the Import Records menu item. FileMaker Pro 6 includes 21 business-ready "instant productivity" templates to help users get started.

I won't use technospeak in my review, as I am here for the novice users (and anyone who is reading a review to determine if this software is for them is probably a novice). FileMaker will keep track of all your company info. Even if you are a one-person company it will work for you. When you have 100 employees on the payroll, it will still work for you. If you have never designed a database before, you can do it.

Now, you WILL have to devote some time to learn the software, but if you are to be administrating a database, youre going to have to be doing some maintenance anyway. With FileMaker, you can begin using your database the first day, then add more features later on as you add more records and more users. I recommend learning FileMaker as opposed to hiring your project out to a developer for the simple fact that YOU know your business best and you will constantly be making changes as your business changes. My philosophy is that it is better for YOU to learn FileMaker than for a developer to learn your business.

Go ahead and get it. You will be able to make beautiful, efficient databases if you take the time to learn it. This product will do the job. I guarantee it. Contact me and I will help you.

Tanya Milligan

While FileMaker is not on the order of MySQL or Oracle in terms of speed and power, it is far more flexible and far less expensive than anything else available in this workgroup class of applications for any Windows or Mac environment.

You can start small, with just one or two computers and grow your solution into a fully server-based and remotely managed application. And if you should happen to need to migrate to a "big iron" type Database someday, such as MySql, conversion tools are available that will automate large parts of such a migration - including scripting. There are also a large number of third-party plugins should any other functionality be required down the road.

Importing and exporting data is a snap in just about any format. As for sharing data, FileMaker is unmatched and even includes a small-scale web server function in addition to the "instant web publishing" function.

It's an absolutely wonderful tool for any serious IT person that isn't threatened by a program that most non-IT people can understand.

If you don't need the huge power of the big guns (Oracle, SyBase, IBM), ignore Filemaker at your own risk.

Now that you've read the Microsoft commercial below from:
"Reviewer: A software user from Stratford, CT USA"
Who probably, "needs a kick in the pants!"

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 below that most systems/owners 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 I was designing for 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 copies (licenses) certainly doesn't come cheap either if you haven't compared lately. FoxPro didn't fair any better, SQL Server worse. Especially in a client <==> server design paradigm!

Bottom line, a fully customized relational database designed, developed and deployed on a network 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)