FileMaker 14 Adds New Script Workspace, Launch Center and More for Mac, Redesigned for iOS

[MacRumors]

Apple subsidiary FileMaker today announced FileMaker 14, a new version of its database development platform for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Windows-based PCs and the web. FileMaker 14 contains several new features for developers, including a new Script Workspace for faster automation of common business processes, a redesigned FileMaker WebDirect, new app-like Launch Center interface, an enhanced iOS experience and more.

The new Script Workspace for the desktop consolidates the creation, editing and viewing of scripts and calculations into one streamlined interface, with features such as auto-complete, favorites, in-line editing, shortcuts, script step descriptions with in-line help, automated command-lookup and more to help speed up development. The new workspace also has point-and-click simplicity and contextual guidance for non-developers.

A redesigned FileMaker WebDirect and Launch Center further enhance the desktop experience on Mac, Windows and the web:

A redesigned FileMaker WebDirect makes it easy to deliver desktop-style interactivity to mobile browsers on tablets. FileMaker WebDirect now supports FileMaker solutions running on the latest tablets. Business users can deliver a next-generation mobile browser experience. The redesigned toolbar automatically adapts to the screen size of users' browsers on desktops or tablets, with larger tap targets, slide-in menus that dynamically optimize screen real estate, and menus that collapse and expand into logical groups as the screen size changes or the user rotates the device.
A Launch Center brings an app-like interface with big, bold icons (no more dialog boxes and pull-down menus) that allow users to visually organize all solutions at a glance. Users can choose from 29 pre-built icons or design custom icons to give solutions a personalized look. The Launch Center works across the entire FileMaker 14 Platform, providing a consistent experience on Windows and Mac with FileMaker Pro, on iPad and iPhone with FileMaker Go, and in a browser with FileMaker WebDirect.

FileMaker users on iPhone and iPad benefit from an enhanced iOS experience that includes new scripts and an iOS 8-style redesign. Developers can now make solutions full screen, lock in portrait or landscape views using the new set-screen orientation, enable touch keyboards, enable richer text formatting, use new video and audio playback controls and more. FileMaker Go 14 is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.

Article Link: FileMaker 14 Adds New Script Workspace, Launch Center and More for Mac, Redesigned for iOS

 

[kd5jos]

Just one question...

When will it be in the OS X app store?

 

[SMGreenfield]

FM 14 Deprecating FileMaker Pro Runtime

Tucked away in the release notes is a comment about FileMaker Pro Runtime being DEPRECATED in the future. Ostensibly, this would be so FileMaker could sell more FileMaker clients. But, it could also kill anyone using FileMaker as a general developer platform.

Just sayin'....

 

[Max Portakabin]

Tucked away in the release notes is a comment about FileMaker Pro Runtime being DEPRECATED in the future. Ostensibly, this would be so FileMaker could sell more FileMaker clients. But, it could also kill anyone using FileMaker as a general developer platform.

Just sayin'....

People have been complaining for years about upgrade pricing and TCO and their response is to drive it up even further?

I'm out.

FM has a better frontend than any SQL platform but at least if you bother to learn SQL it's a skill you can use in the real world.

 

[xero9]

I bought v12, but I sure as heck aren't renting v14 for almost as much as I paid initially.

 

[maxxodd]

Server

I'll be happy when they allow changing of the ports for the server again. I run my FM server on a Mini Server that also functions as an owncloud server and Wiki server, so FM 13 Server was a no go for me. Unless they change that in 14, I'm not migrating no matter how many new features they add.

 

[japanime]

I bought v12, but I sure as heck aren't renting v14 for almost as much as I paid initially.

You don't have to go for the rental license. A single-user license can be purchased for $329.

 

[RedTomato]

What are the modern osx alternatives? My experience is mostly setting up a few flat databases, input forms, and report forms for a company 8 years ago in FileMaker Pro. Bit suprised there still doesn't seem to be much else, especially if you want something that plays nice with mobile, windows & web.

 

[Peabody]

I'll be happy when they allow changing of the ports for the server again. I run my FM server on a Mini Server that also functions as an owncloud server and Wiki server, so FM 13 Server was a no go for me. Unless they change that in 14, I'm not migrating no matter how many new features they add.

They did. You can pick your HTTP/S ports on install.

 

[Peabody]

When will it be in the OS X app store?

Only FileMaker Go is in the iOS App Store.

Purchase FileMaker Pro, Pro Advanced and Server from the FileMaker Online Store

 

[wilhoitm]

I bought v12, but I sure as heck aren't renting v14 for almost as much as I paid initially.

FileMaker 14 looks impressive but I am confused!

Is FileMaker Platform 14 a hosted solution with a per user monthly fee as seen in the link below?

http://www.filemaker.com/products/pricing.html

Or is it a standalone individual downloadable version as seen in the link below here?

http://store.filemaker.com/US/ENG/RTL/product/purchase/

Or is it both?

 

[kirky29]

Is there anything better than Filemaker for a smaller database?

We have a few thousand contacts and need info like name, address, email category etc. But we ideally need to be able to print them onto envelope labels to mail them out... FileMaker sometimes seems a bit extreme for all this...

Is there any other Mac software or maybe a cloud service?

Thanks!

 

[markm49uk]

Is there anything better than Filemaker for a smaller database?

We have a few thousand contacts and need info like name, address, email category etc. But we ideally need to be able to print them onto envelope labels to mail them out... FileMaker sometimes seems a bit extreme for all this...

Is there any other Mac software or maybe a cloud service?

Thanks!

Perhaps Vtiger - open source edition. I use this running on a Synology NAS drive - works well and is free(always good).

 

[bsaunders]

Is there anything better than Filemaker for a smaller database?

We have a few thousand contacts and need info like name, address, email category etc. But we ideally need to be able to print them onto envelope labels to mail them out... FileMaker sometimes seems a bit extreme for all this...

Is there any other Mac software or maybe a cloud service?

Thanks!

Maybe iData Pro? http://www.idatapartners.com/

 

[MacBH928]

What are real-life uses of FileMaker Pro?

My understanding is that small business only need office (Access?), and bigger organisations use Oracle or SalesForce. Where does Filemaker fit in?

 

[woodlandtrek]

FM has a better frontend than any SQL platform but at least if you bother to learn SQL it's a skill you can use in the real world.

Unfortunately it's not just SQL you need to learn. SQL + application language + interface design and layout + frontend scripting, it all adds up. Filemaker is so attractive because you can be up and running very quickly. Unfortunately the rapid application development comes with a cost of an incredible amount of technical debt and database design decisions that aren't ideal for your task.

 

[Peabody]

FileMaker 14 looks impressive but I am confused!

Is FileMaker Platform 14 a hosted solution with a per user monthly fee as seen in the link below?

http://www.filemaker.com/products/pricing.html

That is the annual licensing model. If you stop paying, you forfeit the license and can't use the product anymore. Upgrading to new versions is free as long as your license is in good standing.

(Server product is the software only, bring your own hardware to host solutions for FileMaker clients)

Or is it a standalone individual downloadable version as seen in the link below here?

http://store.filemaker.com/US/ENG/RTL/product/purchase/

Or is it both?

...and this is the perpetual licensing (traditional boxed product) model. You buy it, you own it forever. Upgrading to new versions will cost you, but less than another full license purchase.

 

[Benjamin Frost]

Shame Apple killed Bento.

I guess that's Apple's raison d'être these days: to make the wrong choices.

 

[cwagner1]

What are real-life uses of FileMaker Pro?

My understanding is that small business only need office (Access?), and bigger organisations use Oracle or SalesForce. Where does Filemaker fit in?

Access and Oracle are not cross platform. We needed a solution that would run on Macs, Windows, and iOS and we did not want a web based solution.

 

[FieldingMellish]

FileMaker 10 still runs fine on Yosemite, except that the application icons are generic. A long time ago, I rolled my own project management software and it's still kicking, though burdened with inelegant add-ons over the years. But I can imagine doing a customized solution with a modern interface and use on mobile devices.

 

[briloronmacrumo]

Minimum OS X requirement is 10.9

This link indicates FM Pro 14 requires a minimum of Mavericks. Apparently FM will deprecate Mavericks support soon even though that OS is less than 2 yrs old. FM Pro 14 for Windows supports Windows 7 even though it is approximately 6 years old. The Mac OS FM Pro 14 support limitation must wreak havoc for businesses that need a stable environment.

 

[FieldingMellish]

Advanced is too expensive and the advanced version is what I'm used to. I'll lay back and continue using FM Pro 10 until it goes down in flames.

 

[mrbrent62]

Tucked away in the release notes is a comment about FileMaker Pro Runtime being DEPRECATED in the future. Ostensibly, this would be so FileMaker could sell more FileMaker clients. But, it could also kill anyone using FileMaker as a general developer platform.

Just sayin'....

Well they Killed Apple Aperture and went to the dumbed down Photos application... I hope they don't knock features off of Filemaker until it's unusable. It's getting to the point, you are better off going with Non Apple software for any Pro Applications.

 

[v3rlon]

If you have to have a training video to explain your licensing structure, you have failed, IMHO.

I will look at ANYTHING else first. Never mind paying the excessive cost.

 

[seanjs]

Is there anything better than Filemaker for a smaller database?

We have a few thousand contacts and need info like name, address, email category etc. But we ideally need to be able to print them onto envelope labels to mail them out... FileMaker sometimes seems a bit extreme for all this...

Is there any other Mac software or maybe a cloud service?

Thanks!

Try http://www.fieldbook.com.