[NewsPoster]

Today FileMaker announced the latest release of its custom app and database platform, FileMaker 15. This upgraded platform improves upon the fundamentals of custom app development with new mobility, automation, integration, ease of use, and security features alongside performance enhancements across the entire product line.

Newly added Touch ID support enables developers to securely access custom apps with the touch of a finger. Added 3D Touch support enables quick access to specific apps. New app extensions offer content customization and cloud-based file sharing. Apple iBeacon support offers location-based data from the custom app and FileMaker WebDirect enables customers to use a mobile phone to access FileMaker apps in a web browser.

Timesaving tools implemented in Filemaker 15 include in-product updates and the ability to instantly recover scripting work with multiple undo. Red highlighted text helps easily identify problem areas in the Script Workspace. The ESS Adapter connects to even more External SQL Data Sources including PostgresSQL and IBM DB2.

New and old users of Filemaker can start managing contacts, inventory, content management and tasks right away with the new basic Starter Solutions. The new web-based Help menu provides faster results when searching for needed FileMaker information and is downloadable as a PDF.

Proactive security warnings include notifications that appear when a user tries to connect to a host or website with an invalid security certificate. FileMaker Server now supports SSL certificates from nine popular vendors and supports intermediate, subjectAltName (SAN), and wildcard certificates. Additionally, a new concealed edit box hides sensitive information users don't want displayed on their screen.

The top call statistics-logging feature quickly diagnoses any slowdowns within the FileMaker Platform. The portal in-line progress bar indicates when data filtering and sorting is complete. This process now takes place separately from other operations so developers can continue to use their apps at the same time.

FileMaker introduces a new, simpler way for teams of five or more people to license FileMaker software. Each user can access FileMaker Pro for User Connections, FileMaker Go, or FileMaker WebDirect -- all hosted on FileMaker Server to securely share information in real time. 

Single-user licenses for FileMaker Pro 15 start at $329, with an upgrade license for users of Filemaker 12 and up selling for $197. A single-user license can also be purchased on an subscription basis for $108 per year. Filemaker Pro Advanced sells for $180 per year on a subscription basis for one user, and sells for $549 outright.

Licensing for multiple users under the "FileMaker for Teams" program is per year, with a group license for five people selling for $888 per year. A 25-user annual license is $2848 per year. FileMaker for Teams includes FileMaker Server and User Connections for the team to access custom apps through FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, or FileMaker WebDirect.

MacNN will be posting a Hands On with the new version for both new and current users of FileMaker later today.

[Inkling]

Sigh, the problem extends into yet another generation. Filemaker is a marvelous app for professional database developers, but it is overkill for the rest of us. We want what Filemaker once was, an easy to use flat-file database for ordinary people. No bells, no whistles, just basic data handling. And no, the app named after a Japanese lunch box, I forget its name, wasn't the answer. It was too weird. And there is a market for such an app. I know numerous people who use (or abuse) Excel as a database because apps such as today's Filemaker are too complicated and expensive.

[Mike Wuerthele]

Bento.

[DiabloConQueso]

Bento is no longer available.

http://help.filemaker.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11931/~/filemaker-stopped-offering-bento-sept.-30,-2013---more-information

[Mike Wuerthele]

Notably, Bento was discontinued because nobody was buying it.

[coffeetime]

I had Bento before. I bought it because FileMaker is too expensive. But after using it for a while, Bento is redundant. It's like an iPhone within an iPhone. Whatever apps I have on iPhone, Bento has the same things inside Bento app.

[HPeet]

RecordHolderPlus. Sigh!