FileMaker 6 backs XML

FileMaker, the software subsidiary of Apple, last week issued FileMaker Pro 6, the latest version of its workgroup database application. New features include support for Extensible Markup Language (XML), which will allow it to access data from a wide variety of sources, and the ability to import large numbers of picture files directly into a database to create an image library.

FileMaker Pro 6, available immediately, can support more extensive information exchange through its XML capability, according to the firm. Users will be able to retrieve data from XML-enabled Web applications, or query corporate databases without using ODBC drivers.

"Customers have told us that the main challenge they face is exchanging information between applications, and XML capability helps to deliver this," said Tony Speakman, FileMaker's regional manager for Northern Europe. David Folger of analyst firm Meta Group agreed. "Businesses already have an awful lot of repositories of data, and the bigger issue should be integrating material together rather than adding yet another repository," he said.

FileMaker also launched FileMaker XML Central, an online resource for users and developers working with FileMaker Pro 6. "Half of it is tutorials and white papers from us, the other half will be users sharing style sheets," said FileMaker international marketing manager Neil Wright.

A number of Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformation (XSLT) stylesheets are included with Pro 6, and more than 40 are now available online. FileMaker expects users will add to this over time. "It should stop developers from having to re-invent the wheel for every application," Wright said.

FileMaker's other major new feature is the image import capability, which lets users create a digital image library directly from a folder of picture files. "It does all the work of indexing, and creates previews [image thumbnails]," said Wright.

FileMaker Pro 6 is the first version of the database application that is certified to run under Windows XP on client systems, Speakman said. The server version has been renamed FileMaker Server to avoid confusion with numbering, as the existing release works with FileMaker version 5, 5.5 and 6 clients. The file format has stayed the same across all these versions.

FileMaker differentiates its software from Microsoft's Access on ease of use and scalability. "FileMaker lets [firms] develop a solution quickly and easily without having to analyse data structures, but that isn't to say it is less powerful," said Wright. Access users have to move to SQL Server once they get beyond 25 users, he added.

Pro 6 runs on Windows 98, 2000, NT 4.0 and XP on PCs, and Mac OS 8.6, 9.2 and OS X on Apple systems. It costs £219 + VAT.

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