FileMaker Upgrade Brings XML, Digital Image Support

FileMaker

With XML support, FileMaker Pro 6 can integrate and exchange information with many applications, eliminating the need to convert data between proprietary formats, according to FileMaker, a Santa Clara-based software subsidiary of Apple Computer. The new version allows users, for example, to retrieve data from XML-enabled Web applications, import accounting data from packaged business software such as Intuit's QuickBooks and query corporate databases without using ODBC drivers. The XML export function lets FileMaker Pro 6 share information with other applications, including the ability to export formatted FileMaker data into an e-mail, Microsoft Excel or a document-authoring application.

When running on Apple's Mac OS X operating system, FileMaker Pro 6 can capture images and Exif image data (such as date, time and exposure length) straight from a digital camera. The image capture function recognizes cameras supported by OS X and doesn't require camera driver software. Users can import images into a FileMaker database in just a few clicks. After downloading the photos from a digital camera to a computer, users can import all or some of the images into a FileMaker database in one step, instead of only one at a time.

Other key features in FileMaker Pro 6 include batch import for text, image and movie files, enabling users to import large numbers images from a folder into a database; more than 20 new templates for business, education and home users; and new format painter and customizable dialog functions.

Along with the FileMaker Pro 6 release, FileMaker enhanced its FileMaker XML Central site for creating data exchange and application integration solutions. The site includes the new FileMaker XSLT Library, which offers free XSLTs (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) for download. Each stylesheet translates XML grammars, allowing FileMaker users to exchange data with a variety of applications, such as Microsoft Excel and SQL Server. FileMaker Pro 6 includes eight XSLTs, and more than 40 are now available in the library. Also new to the FileMaker XML Central site is FileMaker XML Talk, an online discussion forum for the FileMaker community.

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FileMaker Pro 6, which runs on the Mac OS and Microsoft Windows, carries a list price of $299 for the full version and $149 for the upgrade. An unlimited license version, FileMaker Pro 6 Unlimited, is priced at $999 for the full version and $499 for the upgrade. Volume license pricing also is available.

In September, FileMaker plans to ship FileMaker Developer 6, a development package for creating FileMaker Pro 6 solutions, according to the company. The software will list for $499 and include the features of FileMaker Pro 6 plus script debugger, database design report and developer tool functions, FileMaker said.