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FileMaker® Pro 11

Not familiar with database software and want to hit the ground running? FileMaker Pro 11 may be the software for you. With it’s easy to use interfaces, its cross-platform (PC/Mac) seamless functionality, and it streamline design, FileMaker Pro 11 demystifies the process of creating, importing, and exporting databases.

FileMaker Pro 11 provides a very intuitive menu system that helps you “hit the ground running” and quickly create database files. As someone who had not used the FileMaker software before, I found it very easy to learn how to create a database. Within minutes I was able to; create a database file from scratch, import an existing Microsoft Excel file to create a database, edit and sort my new database records, and export a new custom report in multiple formats. Through using both text and recognizable icons, the easy to use menu system allows you to rapidly find the tool or command you need. Experienced Microsoft Excel users will find FileMaker Pro a handy tool for importing and exporting databases, tables, and reports.

Searching, modifying, and reporting on records within your databases is a snap with the software. The “Find” function comes up quickly, can easily be modified, and allows for multiple layouts, which can make your search capabilities more custom for your own needs. If you want to “omit” certain records from your finds, just toggle between an include and omit switch. You can save your finds for future use and modification. The software performs efficiently with both small and large (thousands of records) databases.

The true value of database software comes from its ability to work with other software. FileMaker Pro 11 shines at making the process of importing and exporting multiple data types and file formats easy. When you import an Excel database for instance, you are given one screen from which you can identify all fields and records to be imported and which worksheets to include.

Installation of the software is quick and seamless on both the PC and Mac platforms. The process of registering the software and getting updates is automatic and puts you in a position to always have the most current updates and reports for the software. With so many different database software programs on the market today and many different price levels, FileMaker Pro 11 stands out as an easy to use, efficient, and cost effective database system. This software can be a benefit for both casual individual users to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Cons: 

While I found few flaws with the software, there are some functions and processes that could be improved. Here are a few cons from a first time user.

• Creating a database from an existing Excel file was not as intuitive as I had anticipated. The “quick start” panel that appears when you start the software makes the process simple, but finding the quick start import function is not so easy after you’re in the software.

• While the installation process was generally pretty quick (about 5 minutes), the software does not provide a “progress” bar to let you know how much longer the install will be.

• The installation process provided icons only and no text, making it a bit unclear as to what to do at the initial installation.

Pros: 

There are several nice features about FileMaker Pro 11. Here are just a few.

• The preinstalled templates for creating new databases are easy to use, are aesthetically attractive, and are easily modifiable.

• Custom database and report design is intuitive, simple, and fully functional, through providing all options on the menu bar and a “what you see is what you get” output layout. Toggling between layout in multiple areas is easy.

• Getting multiple views of your databases is a simple “click” away. This makes the process of seeing and analyzing your data the best part of the software. One of the main purposes for database software after all is to manage and analyze data.

By: 
Bruce Montes
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