FileMaker Expands Reporting, Charting Capabilities In Flagship Database
The new version also offers a number of new productivity tools that simplify database creation, according to Santa Clara, Calif.-based FileMaker.
FileMaker sells the software through hundreds of resellers, from small VARs up to volume resellers such as SHI and CDW. The database software is also sold through online retailers such as Amazon.com and PC Mall. Distributors Ingram Micro, Tech Data and The Douglas Stewart Co. are also part of the vendor's go-to-market strategy.
"Primarily this is a release that's built around doing more with reporting," said Rick Kalman, senior product manager for the new FileMaker Pro 11 software. The new "on the fly" Quick Reports presented in a spreadsheet-like format, combined with enhanced chart-building tools, make it easier to visualize, evaluate and report on data in new or existing database layouts, he said in an interview.
The database also comes with 30 built-in templates such as the new invoice starter solution.
The database's Snapshot Link feature makes it easy to flag specific records in a database while the new Recurring Imports feature offers a way to create automatic data imports from Excel and other sources. The new Quick Find tool uses what the company calls an "iTunes style" to search across all fields within a layout, and Object Badges to visually identify scripted fields in layouts with color-coded icons.
The new features are available across the entire FileMaker line including FileMaker Pro 11, FileMaker Pro 11 Advanced, FileMaker Server 11 and FileMaker Server 11 Advanced.
FileMaker Pro 11 retails for $299 ($179 for upgrades) while pricing for the advanced version is $499 ($299 for upgrades). FileMaker Server 11 is priced at $999 ($599 for upgrades) and FileMaker Server 11 Advanced is $2,999 ($1,799 for upgrades).