As Macworld gets under way, FileMaker has announced a new version of its database software: FileMaker Pro 10. The new product line also includes FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced, FileMaker Server 10, and FileMaker Server 10 Advanced.
The company says the new interface "delivers the most dramatic design changes in over a decade." Among other things, there's a newly redesigned and customizable status toolbar, which makes commonly used features more easily available to save time.
Search Saves, Script Triggers
Other new features in the latest FileMaker include the ability to automatically save the results of a search and script triggers, which allow scripts to be launched based on user actions or time limits.
The saved searches can be named as a set, so a user, for instance, can find all customers in a given region who meet a given set of criteria -- and save and name the results. The saved searches can also be specific to a user.
A script trigger, comparable to a spreadsheet macro, can help automate tasks and increase productivity. The trigger can be called by a specific action, such as clicking in a field; FileMaker Pro 10 comes with five predefined, object-based triggers, and seven layout-based triggers.
For reports, the new product allows a user to make changes in underlying data from within a report, and changes to data will immediately be reflected in the database.
Enhanced SQL Support
A new "See It, Use It, Learn It" interface is intended to get users up and running quickly. Ten new layout themes and 30 starter databases, including such applications as invoicing and asset management, are included in version 10.
Enhanced support includes the ability to display, access and use data from more SQL sources than before, such as SQL tables in Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Oracle 11g, and MySQL 5.1 community edition. Additionally, a new function...

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