Entered CNET Catalog: 05/06/2003
SKU: 321200U
Manufacturer: FileMaker Inc.
Manufacturer description
FileMaker Pro 6 is the leading workgroup database software for quickly creating and sharing solutions adapted to your business needs. Powerful features, broad platform support, and an easy-to-use interface make FileMaker Pro 6 indispensable for anyone who needs to track and manage people, projects, images and information. Use built-in instant productivity templates to quickly design and deploy customized solutions. Easily communicate by sharing content with others over a network or intranet to collaborate on multiple projects for greater workgroup productivity. And, with the ability to exchange data with a virtually limitless number of other applications, FileMaker Pro 6 is ideal for gathering, managing and sharing all types of information. Gathering data is easier than ever with FileMaker Pro 6! Convenient import options, plus added support for data exchange standards, open a new world of connectivity to desktop applications and corporate data sources. With powerful new data handling tools, FileMaker Pro 6 is ideal for tracking and managing people, projects, images and information. From a simple contacts database, to a powerful digital photography/video storage and cataloguing solution, FileMaker Pro 6 is the flexible information management tool for novices and professionals. FileMaker Pro 6 gives workgroups even greater connectivity with each other, and with the corporate data they need. Share information across diverse platforms, over a network, or over the Web - FileMaker Pro 6 includes robust security features that allow you to share with confidence. With support for XML and other standards, FileMaker Pro 6 can exchange information with a virtually limitless number of desktop applications and corporate data sources.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 08/05/2002
Set up with ease
FileMaker Pro 6.0's installation process is relatively simple. It follows all of the familiar software setup steps, with one exception: you don't use the code on the CD-ROM sleeve to activate the product. (That code merely identifies the CD-ROM.) The activation information comes in an easily overlooked, two-page booklet entitled "Service Directory and Installation Codes."
Standardized interface
Even database novices will be able to understand FileMaker's intuitive layout. The program's menus resemble the Windows-standard interface (File, Edit, View, Insert, and so forth), except that FileMaker has replaced the Tools category with one called Scripts (wherein you'll access FileMaker's scripting tools, more on that later) and dispersed its Tool commands into other categories. For example, you'll find the Security menu under File > Access Privileges. The new arrangement will take some getting used to for Microsoft Word users. Unfortunately, you can't customize FileMaker's individual toolbar buttons either, as you can in Microsoft Access, but the toolbar selections provide most of what you need.
In the beginning
To create a database from scratch, you can either walk through a simple design process, which involves naming and defining fields in a dialog box, or enter data into an uncomplicated database template. FileMaker supplies roughly two dozen of these prefab templates, tailored to a variety of uses, including family medical records, time billing, and contact management. (Access also has such templates.) If you've created databases in other programs--no problem. FileMaker easily imports files in a host of formats, including comma- and tab-separated values, Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, and HTML.
You'll have no trouble performing all of the typical tasks, such as sorting records and importing files. The Records/Sort submenu lets you right-click to arrange your records either alphabetically or by any field.
If you want to perform complex automated database operations, such as e-mailing a data file or launching your Web browser from the database, FileMaker does it the easy way. Microsoft Access, for example, lets you build database scripts if you're fluent in Microsoft Access Visual Basic. But FileMaker's wizardlike ScriptMaker lets you build scripts using natural English commands, such as "Go to next field," Show All Records, and Send Mail. You can achieve some truly sophisticated results using ScriptMaker in a fraction of the time required to learn Access's Visual Basic. When it comes to ease of use, FileMaker Pro 6.0 beats Access hands down.
XML support
Of all the new features added to FileMaker Pro 6.0, support for XML is the most significant. FileMaker 6.0's XML templates allow the program to import and export a much broader range of document formats, including Excel 2002 spreadsheets, and it does it much faster than previous versions do.
Reliable assistance
Well worth it
Even in FileMaker, you may encounter a problem that you can't solve--it happens to the best of applications. Luckily, you can turn to FileMaker's thoroughly annotated help files and lengthy but well-written manual. What's more, FileMaker's first-rate tech support offers a large, online reference database of articles, as well as a newsletter, FAQs, and knowledgeable phone support. You get free phone support (via a toll call) only for installation and a single troubleshooting call (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT). After that, you must sign up and pay about $45 per incident for Professional Support Services.
Overall, FileMaker Pro 6.0 combines the complexity that you and your business need with tools that bypass the difficult programming that Microsoft Access requires. FileMaker is straightforward and power-packed enough to appeal to both newbies and vets. Add in its new XML support and slightly lower price tag than Access, and you have a sure winner. Go ahead and try it for free if you don't believe us.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
User Rating: 
9/10
You Can Do Some Really Complex Things!!
Pros: Ease of use. I've built a real-time sign in system with version 5.5 that: calculates payroll, keeps track of timed events (tutor sessions with students and time spent) and many complex calculations...all distributed over the web and from a computer that i
Cons: Lack of free documentation/help FileMaker,inc. Luckily, there are many sites around completely dedicated to FleMaker, and many nice people who like to help with problems that newbies that need help for free.
User Rating: 9/10
The database for the rest of us!
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 
7/10
FileMaker Can Be Power Full
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 
3/10
SQL !!
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 
8/10
Great for Beginners, Not Bad for Business
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 
5/10
how many plugins/extra features do I have to buy?
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 7/10
Web use is too weak
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 
4/10
Its good at what it does; doesn't do what I need it to do.
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 9/10
Better than most think...
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 7/10
powerful and easy to use
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 9/10
The Fastest Development Tool
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 8/10
Easist Database program ever
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 5/10
Good for small systems and non-professionals
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 5/10
full featured?
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 7/10
Useful for novices or simple apps only!
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 8/10
Consistently powerful and easy to use
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 
1/10
Microsoft is so scared of FileMaker that they will never make Access for the Mac.
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 9/10
power, ease-of-use and low-price
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 
6/10
Let's be real here
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 
10/10
Excellent database program for Win AND Mac
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 10/10
Great Solution for a small business database
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 10/10
True Relational Database Application
Pros:
Cons:
User Rating: 7/10
pure fun
Pros:
Cons:
Keywords
database software |About CNET Archive BETA
Welcome to the CNET Archive, a library of product reviews, user opinions, videos, specifications, and manufacturer descriptions for products no longer offered by the manufacturer or most retailers. Here you will find information on replacement parts and replacement ink cartridges. Read what others had to say about that used laptop you are considering buying. Take a trip down memory lane as you browse and reminisce about your favorite old video game or that first digital camera.
Search Archive
FileMaker Pro 6.0 specifications
- General
- Subcategory Programming - database / connectivity , Business - databases / database tools
- Version 6
- Language(s) English
- License pricing Standard
- Localization English
- Software
- License Type Complete package
- License Qty 1 user
- License Pricing Standard
- Platform Windows
- Distribution Media CD-ROM
- Package Type Retail
- System Requirements
- OS Required Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition , Microsoft Windows XP , Microsoft Windows 98 , Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 SP6 , Microsoft Windows 2000
- Min Processor Type Intel Pentium - 90.0 MHz
- Min RAM Size 32.0 MB
- Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM
