Old version of filemaker on dead OS, what to replace it with?

[renoir]

I have an older version of filemaker pro v6 that will not run on the latest MacOS. This program amazingly was made in 2002 and has served valiantly and error free throughout its run at the track.

Alas I have upgraded to Yosemite and need a replacement for this trusty database program.


What is the best program to replace it with? Is there a good version of filemaker available as a mac app that will import the old filemaker file format?

If there a better app that is small and will work just as well and can read older filemaker formats? All I use it for is to keep a record of client information, it is a very simple database. I could almost use excel but I like the database search and display features.

Thank you all very much

 

[sarthak]

There is a new version of FileMaker Pro 13 released a little over a year ago. There really isn't anything that comes close to FileMaker Pro at the moment for SME or even SOHO use.

I am still running FMP11 as it works well on PowerPC (Leopard) but, does run on Yosemite (with a few minor bugs in editing the interface).

I would strongly recommend you consider the latest version of FileMaker Pro 13 (Advanced) as there has been massive improvements since. I believe it should be able to read your older .fmp5 files just fine but, would need to upgrade them to .fmp12 (won't be able to edit later on in the older version).

 

[ricosuave]

This app is no replacement for filemaker, but Records is about to get an upgrade to 1.1 to allow import of csv files.


https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/records/id946833065?mt=12


Theres this one as well. https://www.tapforms.com

 

[renoir]

Thanks for the suggestions.

The records app seems to have some pretty bad reviews, hopefully that app will improve.

Is there a way to use filemaker go or bento as a low cost option? Do these products allow for data creation as well as viewing?

Thank you very much

 

[glenthompson]

Thanks for the suggestions.

The records app seems to have some pretty bad reviews, hopefully that app will improve.

Is there a way to use filemaker go or bento as a low cost option? Do these products allow for data creation as well as viewing?

Thank you very much

Bento is dead. Filemaker Go can create data but requires a database created in a recent version of Filemaker.

 

[maflynn]

Since you were on FMP before, and there's a dearth of database apps on the OS X platform for some reason, I'd say go and use the latest version of FMP.

 

[renoir]

So if I did use the new Fmp can this be done with the records hosted in the cloud? Could the data be shareable on other computers and iPhones ?

 

[MisterMe]

So if I did use the new Fmp can this be done with the records hosted in the cloud? Could the data be shareable on other computers and iPhones ?

FMP supports OS X, iOS, Windows, and the Web. It does not support cloud storage, but FileMaker Server is an option. I caution you not to go into this with preconceived notion about storage strategies and other technical solutions. Assess your needs and then develop strategies for satisfying your needs.

I appears that FileMaker Pro will satisfy your needs. I recently discovered that my firm uses FMP as a front-end for our Oracle-based database management system in certain applications. With capabilities that run the gamut from personal databases to specialized enterprise database applications, FMP has a lot of power mediated by ease-of-use.

My advice to you is to visit the FileMaker website and learn for yourself the capabilities of its offerings. You may download 30-day free trials of FileMaker software to see what it can do.

 

[maflynn]

So if I did use the new Fmp can this be done with the records hosted in the cloud? Could the data be shareable on other computers and iPhones ?

There's some level of cloud support, I keep my FMP database on DropBox, and that way I can access it via my iPhone or computer. I'm on FMP12, the latest version may have better cloud services.