Apple software subsidiary FileMaker released a new version of its database software at Macworld last Monday, stocking FileMaker Pro 10 with a friendlier, cleaner user interface than the previous edition. While the keystroke commands from Pro 9 have been kept intact for power users, new point-and-click capabilities in Pro 10 add to ease-of-use.
Another Macworld "Best of Show" winner, FileMaker Pro 10 also has the ability to combine data from Oracle, MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server into a single report. Other improvements include a tool for creating different types of reports and more robust Web publishing capabilities. The software maker thinks the new version of this longtime favorite with Mac users stands to gain share on Windows desktops at the expense of market leader Microsoft Access. FileMaker 10 is priced at $299 a seat, with a server edition for workgroups or departments available for $999.
