Today Apple-owned FileMaker has formally announced FileMaker 13, the next major edition of its database creation software. One of the major additions is WebDirect, an HTML5-based method of publishing databases to the web without special programming. When developing iOS frontends, users can now generate them in a single step, and add things like slide controls, popovers, gesture controls, custom keyboards, and barcode capture functions.
During the design process, FileMaker now supports sharing custom themes and styles — the latter involving elements like colors, fonts, and text styles — plus dragging-and-dropping data fields into layouts. Objects can be hidden or displayed based on business logic, and databases should be easier to integrate with web apps. On the backend, a new HTML5 administration console for FileMaker Server 13 makes it possible to manage settings remotely. FileMaker Pro Advanced’s encryption has been upgraded to across-the-board 256-bit AES for desktop, server, and iOS data.
Smaller additions include the ability to undo after saving a layout, and more Inspector design attributes, such as padding, inner/outer shadows, and layout backgrounds; backgrounds can be fullscreen and/or use colors and gradients. A new Getting Started tour has been added, as have redesigned Starter Solutions for tasks like Assets, Contacts, Invoices, and Contact Management.
There are over 50 new features in all. Licenses for FileMaker Pro 13 start at $329 new, or $179 for upgrades. New monthly subscription options cost $9 for Pro, $15 for Pro Advanced, and $29 for Server, although the subscription model requires minimum order quantities. FileMaker Go, the companion iOS app, is a free download and has been upgraded to not only support FileMaker 13 but match the aesthetics of iOS 7. Server-concurrent connections for Go and WebDirect are priced at $25 per month for a pack of five.
