FileMaker emphasizes the use of their product by end users to create their own database interactions for individual use or for use in small workgroup settings. However, versions are also available with features targeted to developers and/or network-shared data environments.

The new entry-level offering in the product family is Bento, which is billed as a personal database and runs only on Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard). Bento allows users to create their own DBs for the management of personal information, and includes pre-built templates and themes enabling one-click changes to the DBs look and feel. The product includes built-in links to the Mac OS X Address Book and iCal for integration with the information stored in those applications, and additionally features the ability to define information relationships, an iTunes-like search facility, support for multiple data types, support for CSV data import, and the ability to define forms with a user-defined collection of data fields.

Beyond the Bento personal database, the core entry in the FileMaker family is FileMaker Pro, and it provides tools that allow end users to collect, organize, and present information from a database backend. Tools are provided for importation of data from Excel (featuring drag and drop import) and other formats, including comma separated values, Lotus, and XML. Better than 30 template-based "Starter Solutions" are provided that can be customized to the user's liking. Once organized, FileMaker Pro allows an individual to publish their DB's (peer to peer connectivity; i.e., the host--or publishing--computer must be always on, accessible via the network, and opened to the target DB) to be viewed and accessed by other workgroup members over their networks or intranets. Up to 9 guests may access the DB simultaneously when presented in this manner. For network sharing, each client must have FileMaker loaded on their machines; for Web-based access (facilitated via an included Instant Web Publishing component) clients require only a Web browser, with up to 5 simultaneous users supported.

An additional key feature of FileMaker Pro is its direct linking capability, enabling the linking (one or two-way) of data from a FileMaker DB to an external DB (via SQL) and presentation of the data as if it was FileMaker data.

Other versions of FileMaker allow for the expansion of the base FileMaker Pro offerings.

FileMaker Pro Advanced especially adds developer oriented tools to the FileMaker Pro feature set. Pro Advanced adds menu customization options, support for custom tooltips, the ability to create stand-alone run-time apps for coworkers without FileMaker installed, and the ability to create custom functions that can be utilized across tables, among other capabilities.

FileMaker Server provides a server-client infrastructure for the sharing of database files over the network; FileMaker Server is itself installed on a centralized server that is accessible to all clients, and the individual users must each have a copy of FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced. With a FileMaker Server implementation, up to 250 users can access the databases simultaneously; and administrative tools, including automated and unattended backups, are provided via a browser-accessible Admin Console.

FileMaker Server (and Advanced) also includes the PHP Site Assistant, which enables the wizard-based creation of PHP-based Web pages for DB access and interaction. For experienced PHP developers, a FileMaker API for PHP is also provided. The PHP Site Assistant is available for FileMaker Pro Advanced, though its use in that product requires a separate FileMaker Server 9 or FileMaker Server 9 Development License.

Finally, FileMaker Server Advanced adds Web connectivity options (via Instant Web Publishing), allowing for the centralized publishing of dynamic data directly to the Web, where it can be accessed by up to 100 users simultaneously by Web browser. An additional key feature of FileMaker Server Advanced is its ability to provide SQL-based data access via ODBC and JDBC.

FileMaker is available now.

Bento is priced at $49 (a "Family Pack" with 5 licenses goes for $99), FileMaker Pro is priced at $299, FileMaker Pro Advanced is $499, FileMaker Server is $999, and FileMaker Server Advanced is $2,499.

Visit the FileMaker Web site for further information.