10Meters News Report
May 17, 2001 – FileMaker bolstered its mobile database offerings with FileMaker Pro 5.5, a new line of database software that will support operating systems like Palm, Windows 2000, and Mac OS X.
Designed to increase productivity of knowledge workers and workgroups, FileMaker Pro 5.5 provides dynamic two-way open database connectivity to link workgroup and corporate data. A cross-platform program, it is compatible with FileMaker Mobile, the load-and-go companion database for Palm OS devices. FileMaker said it expects to ship FileMaker Mobile Companion for i-Mode before the end of the year and FileMaker Mobile Companion for Pocket PC in the first half of next year.
FileMaker's goal is to become the "database software of choice" for knowledge workers in both small and large enterprises, said Dominique Goupil, president of FileMaker, the database software subsidiary of Apple Computer, Inc.
"Knowledge workers use more computing devices in more locations than ever. They also have to create and share information almost instantly, across the Web and other platforms, and connect with corporate data sources," Goupil said. "The new FileMaker software will meet those workgroup needs."
FileMaker said its new record-level security and server-related features also fit with IT requirements – factors that can be a boon to stressed IT departments. According to META group vice president David Folger, IT organizations coping with application backlog increasingly need to enable end-user development of database applications. "Vendors who can address this ease of use requirement will be well-positioned in this market," noted Folger.
FileMaker Pro 5.5 is the flagship of a new product line including FileMaker Server 5.5, FileMaker Pro 5.5 Unlimited for more robust Web publishing, and FileMaker Developer 5.5.
For more information on FileMaker Pro 5.5, go to the FileMaker Web site.
