Whenever the question of databases arise, people always recommend FileMaker. FileMaker works with relational databases, which are generally overkill for most people. Designing a relational database usually requires more database knowledge that the person possesses. How easy is it to use FileMaker with a flat-file database?
Back-in-the-day, on the Windows side, there used to be simple database modules within integrated apps like MS Works and ClarisWorks. On the Mac side, ClarisWorks/AppleWorks and Bento. (I still have and use Bento)
FMP is a great tool, but has become overkill for most individual users or small groups. A single-user perpetual license now costs $540 for v18, and FMP almost always has issues of some sort with each major OS update. Upgrades aren't cheap either.
Seems like there would be a big market for a stripped-down version. Something with about the functionality of FM 4 or 5, but flat file only. Sell it for about $39, or make a $10 per year subscription. Could probably sell a million.
And once folks are hooked....and want a full-fledged, cloud-accessible relational DB, hello FileMaker (Claris now...just to confuse everybody).
Seems like they are leaving a lot of business on the table.
There is a market (I'm part of it), but it's hard to say how large it is.
FMInc may have a better idea, but it obviously doesn't see a business case for it, since it has narrowed its focus even further by offering v18 only in the Advanced version, to individual developers (who can recoup the cost in their business) or selling multi-user license setups to larger companies. Plus, the experience with Bento may have soured any future prospects.
Creating DBs, even simpler ones, takes more effort than a typical office document like a spreadsheet, and that's only if a user has the desire to organize and manipulate their data. Ready-made templates may ease the process, but they only go so far, and would require effort to customize.
There are already apps that cover the specific needs most users have to organize finances, passwords, contacts, etc., and other stuff can be managed in an office suite.
I wish it was different, but active developers selling solutions, and business that need tools are going to be more reliable than fickle end users, who won't pay subscription fees, or for annual updates, and may just call it quits when their obsession with collecting and cataloging their Beanie Babies wanes along with everyone else.
Clearly they don't see it, or don't want it. Could simply be they are moving up market where the big money is....trying to challenge the big boys in enterprise.
But there is a market for the sub-$100 customizable not-a-spreadsheet solutions. The fact that there are so many other options out there pretty much proves it. The good news—if I am right about the market—is that others will eagerly fill the hole.
Sadly, there is no longer a market for a sub $100 flat-file DB tool. For consumers, they don't want to spend the money on a general purpose database tool but rather a specialized database program like a DVD Catalog app. For large companies, they'll use a more expensive and powerful relational database tool. But for advanced consumers and small businesses, a flat-file database tool would serve their needs. These flat-file apps don't command a high price though.
FileMaker knew that and that was why Bento needed to die. By killing off Bento, they forced small business to pony up to buy FileMaker. People right here in this thread are even recommending FileMaker for a very basic database need. Mission accomplished FileMaker!
There were many good flat-file database programs over the decades... PC-File and dBase, Geoworks Database, MS Works database, ClarisWorks/AppleWorks Database, then on the Mac, Bento. Now, there are none that stand out and have a heavy-weight developer behind it.
... now off to yell at some kids to get off my lawn. 😉
Ha. I was about to bring this thread back too. I love FileMaker and have been looking forward to what this free version will entail. My main hangup with FM is the local only nature of FM Pro and inability to keep it in a sync service due to risk of database corruption. So your data is stuck on a single Mac. You can get a cloud database but have to pay Claris handily for the hosting, and for an individual user it is not really feasible. I'm curious to see if they offer cloud hosting/access in the free tier.Necroing this thread because of a potentially promising development relating to FMP. More.
It remains to be seen how this will actually work, but if FMP does return as a freemium app for individual users, it may just lure me back.
I've been using TapForms, and built some basic stuff, but never really got that heavy into it, so if the chance to flex those FMP muscles again, without paying an arm and leg, is true, I'll bite.