Paul Krill
Editor at Large

FileMaker boosts workgroup database

news
Mar 8, 20042 mins

Capacity, relational capabilities, security to be enhanced

FileMaker on Tuesday plans to introduce the FileMaker Pro 7 product line, an upgraded version of the company’s workgroup database featuring a new relational architecture and an expansion of data capacity to 8TB.

Version 7 features storage of binary files or documents such as Microsoft Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

The Relationships Graph function provides a visual map of the database and allows users to depict and modify relationships via a click-and-drag tool. Version 7’s relational model enables files to contain more than the one-table limit of the previous version. “This is really an enhanced relational model,” said Marc Dubresson, product manager of FileMaker 7.

Version 7 features a security model that enables central administration for workgroups and data security at the field level. FileMaker Server 7 Advanced, due this summer, will offer Web publishing.

“It plugs in to Apache and basically lets you create dynamic Web sites with or without HTML programming,” Dubresson said.

To prevent data from being saved before users can discover inaccuracies, FileMaker Pro 7 adds the option to save changes selectively, rather than saving being automatic.

FileMaker provides enterprise workgroups and SMBs (small to midsize businesses) with an alternative to Microsoft SQL Server and the Oracle database.

“For the SMB customer, it would be more affordable and easier to implement,” said Ray Boggs, an analyst at IDC.

Paul Krill

Paul Krill is editor at large at InfoWorld. Paul has been covering computer technology as a news and feature reporter for more than 35 years, including 30 years at InfoWorld. He has specialized in coverage of software development tools and technologies since the 1990s, and he continues to lead InfoWorld’s news coverage of software development platforms including Java and .NET and programming languages including JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Rust, and Go. Long trusted as a reporter who prioritizes accuracy, integrity, and the best interests of readers, Paul is sought out by technology companies and industry organizations who want to reach InfoWorld’s audience of software developers and other information technology professionals. Paul has won a “Best Technology News Coverage” award from IDG.

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