Migrating to OS X questions

Hallo

This is a publishing company about to dump its trusty old G4s and invest in a network of iMacs. I have done a great deal of research about the hardware and software options but now I need some more help.

We have been using ClarisWorks happily for 13 years but I have found out that OS 9 applications will not work on iMacs. Therefore, I need to source the following:

DeskTop Publishing: I think QuarkExpress is too expensive and too heavyweight. We don't use images nor colour. What is the cut-down/lighterweight version - what alternatives are there? I see that PageMaker is no long marketed.

Database: FileMaker Pro9 is, however, still marketed. Is this the only good solid database app for OS X? The database runs the business really, with the subscriptions, mailing list, labels and invoices.

Spreadsheet and WP: we've been using Excel and Word as well as lovely old ClarisWorks. My research is pointing me in the direction of NeoOffice (free, apparently) or iWork08 (another £55).

The charts - DeltaGraph - is the only application we use which I think will migrate to the new OS.

Am I facing re-keying-in all the ~1,000 database entries, plus all the precious accounts spreadsheets? There must be a way of migrating files from OS 9 to OS X, surely? Many people must have been though this before me.

Many thanks for all and any replies. I'm not being lazy in coming here with these questions - but there are only so many hours in the day to do this research and continue working on a weekly publication.

 

MisterMe,

Thank you so much for all your help. I've printed out this thread so far, to make notes.

I now know that PAGES is part of iWorks 08 and have read it up. I'll need to see it in real life, but it looks very promising.

The database is one of the biggest demands here. I don't mind spending more on something more heavyweight than I need - more is good, perhaps. I will however check out the one you recommend

I'm hoping the spreadsheet in NUMBERS in iWork will do the job.

DeltaGraph is one of my favourite applications ever. I've emailed them to ask if it will migrate to OS X and if not, what my up-grade options are.

This is a really good idea. I've checked the DataViz site and their latest version certainly seems to be cross OS 9 and OS X platforms. However, they charge in dollars and add another 20 for shipping. I'm hoping to find a UK retailer.

Many thanks. Many many thanks indeed.

 

I've been using the one which came with Claris Works and has performed brilliantly ever since. I'll be sorry to lose it but OTOH could do with a few more bells and whistles, which I presume Filemaker will provide.

I think MacLinkPlus will be essential, and doubt the breezability of transferring files - I'm talking about OS 9 to OS X here - but I will be more than happy to be surprised on the day. I understand from all my extensive research so far that none of the OS 9 applications will run on a new iMac because of the Intel processor. Therefore, it's not just a case of buying a new iMac and connecting them up - it's a case of a complete system upgrade in every respect.

Thank you! Many thanks for your response, too.