Emerging Technologies
Margie Adkins
FileMaker Pro 5 for Windows 95/98, 2000, Windows NT, and Mac OS
Product Description
Filemaker Pro is a series of database products created
by Filemaker, Inc. (formerly Claris Corporation and now a subsidiary of
Apple Computer, Inc.) The FileMaker Pro line of database software
can be used for desktop publishing as well as instant and custom Web publishing
and is known for its ease-of-use. The uses of FileMaker includes
application development, prototyping, and data access. It can be
used in a mixed Windows/Macintosh environment.
FileMaker Pro 5 database software is tailored for
integration with Microsoft Office. It is a program for managing workgroup
information over the Web and over the network. It has instant web publishing
capabilities and allows users to automatically create database layouts
on the Web. FileMaker Pro 5 has a new Microsoft Office interface,
and built-in ODBC Drivers, enabling FileMaker Pro 5 databases to be a powerful
data source or target source for other databases. FileMaker Pro 5 can be
used by individuals or workgroups who must share data within a network,
over an intranet, or on a Web with little or no programming expertise and/or
IS support.
Potential Educational Use
I can see Filemaker being used for cooperative learning
projects that include classrooms from around the world. Different
classes would collect data and add it to the database. Then all involved
would be able to manipulate and/or analyze the data however they chose
and use it for further learning. It holds great potential for students
to learn from creating new bodies of information, rather than simply gathering
old facts.
Except for the initial cost of the software and
possible hardware upgrades, this program is easily available to schools.
No special resources are required for its use.
System Requirements
Windows
Intel compatible computer 486/33 or later
At least 16MB RAM required
At least 20MB of free hard disk space
Windows 95/98/NT 4.0 (with Service Pack 3) or newer
Sharing databases over a network requires enabling TCP/IP or Microsoft
IPX/SPX network within Windows 95/98/NT 4.0
Mac OS
Power Macintosh or Mac OS computer with PPC 601 processor or better
At least 16MB RAM
At least 24 MB of free hard disk space
System 7.6.1 or newer
Sharing databases over a network requires enabling TCP/IP or an AppleTalk
network connection
Pricing & Availability
| Product |
Users |
Number of Users |
Estimated Retail Price |
Available |
| FileMaker Pro 5 |
Small workgroups |
Up to 10 FileMaker Pro guests over a network and up to 10 Web guests
(or IP addresses in a 12-hour period) |
$249 |
9/27/99 (U.S) |
| FileMaker Pro 5 upgrade |
|
|
$149* |
9/27/99 (U.S) |
| FileMaker Pro 5 Unlimited |
Workgroups of any size that need unlimited Web access to their databases |
Unlimited number of Web guests and up to 10 FileMaker Pro guests
over a network |
$999 |
Late Fall 1999 |
| FileMaker Server 5 |
Large workgroups |
Up to 250 |
$999 |
Late Fall 1999 |
| FileMaker Developer 5 |
For in-house corporate developers and independent developers who need
to author FileMaker Pro solutions |
N/A |
$499 |
Early 2000 |
* Proof of purchase is required.
Further information can be found at the Filemaker website: http://www.filemaker.com/index.html
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