Monday, August 16 FTS | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday
| Time | Session Name | Track  |
Level | Expand All |
 8:00 a.m. |
Intro for Preparing for Certification | FTS | General |
Cristoffer Ippolite (iSolutions, Inc.)
Session Description This session will be open to all DEVCON attendees and is designed to discuss the advantages for becoming a FileMaker certified developer. This session will also preview the various topics in the FileMaker Certification Preparation track. Attendees will be introduced to the sessions and how they may help you prepare for FileMaker Certification. This session will be ideal for anyone attending the Certification Preparation Track or for those interested in FileMaker Certification.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Product Line
What You Will Learn
- Why certification matters
- Who should consider certification?
| 9:00 a.m. |
Preparing for Fields | FTS | Intermediate |
Cristoffer Ippolite (iSolutions, Inc.)
Session Description The purpose of this session is for you to become comfortable creating fields and working with various field options. FileMaker Pro software supports several different data types, including text, number, date, time, and timestamp data. You can specify many options for automatically entering data into a field when it is created and/or modified. Setting up field validation and storage options provides an additional layer of control over the data that can be entered into your system. This session will focus on the way that different field types effect behaviors of the data stored within the fields. It will also serve as a review of your Field Option related to Validation, Auto Entry and Storage. Additional things you will learn: - Auto Enter Options - Global Storage - Containers - Preparing for Certification, whats next? Note: An additional fee is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one CD of the FTS materials for one or more sessions (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Product Line
What You Will Learn
- Record Level Validation vs Field Level
- Always vs Data Entry validation options
- Indexing (None, Minimal, All) and when to index
- Character Length and Storage maximums
| 9:00 a.m. |
The Year In Review | Session - Design/Develop | General |
John Sindelar (SeedCode)
Session Description A fast paced survey of the coolest FileMaker work we've seen over the past year, with a focus on the amazing things our peers are doing in FileMaker Pro 11. We'll look at the scripts, solutions, and interfaces that have blown me away, and we'll extract a few principles you can apply in your own projects.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro 10 and FileMaker Pro 11
- along with a few plug-ins and 3rd party products.
What You Will Learn
- A fast paced look at the most interesting FileMaker work I've seen in the last year.
- Check out the techniques and insights employed by some of the most innovative developers out there.
- Learn new ways to think about FileMaker so you can apply the principles behind some of these innovations to your own projects.
- With a special focus on groundbreaking techniques made possible by FileMaker Pro 11.
| 9:00 a.m. |
Charting Fundamentals in FileMaker Pro 11 | Session - Core | Beginner |
Rosemary Tietge (FileMaker)
Session Description With FileMaker 11, we can chart FileMaker data without exporting to Excel or installing a plugin. Visualizing the data in a database or report helps users and managers spot trends, make better decisions, and use less paper. This session will introduce the new chart object. Topics covered will include choosing the best chart type and data series to communicate your message; preparing the data set for charting; and placing a chart properly in a layout's header, sub-summary part, or body.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro 11
What You Will Learn
- The 5 chart types available in FileMaker Pro 11
- How to select the correct Data Series and why that matters
- How chart placement affects chart content
| 9:00 a.m. |
FileMaker Pro and Instant Web Publishing (IWP) - A Primer | Session - Integration/Web | Beginner |
Joyce Lillemon Boschert (Cross Platform Solutions)
Session Description Instant Web Publishing is a great FileMaker interface; it's important to know the differences between using a FileMaker user interface and a web browser. This session will review the requirements for using IWP and give some guidelines and tips for developing a solution for both a FileMaker UI and a web browser.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro
- FileMaker Pro Advanced
What You Will Learn
- Requirements for using IWP
- Differences between IWP and custom web publishing
- Guidelines for using a FileMaker solution in IWP
- Tips for developing solutions for instant web publishing
| 9:00 a.m. |
Pushing Records Around | Workshop - Design/Develop | Advanced |
Stuart Gripman (Crooked Arm Corp.)
Session Description Drawing from real-world experiences, this session will look at how to manage hundreds or thousands of records in a single operation. Central to the work will be techniques for creating "pickers" that allow users to select multiple records for a batch operation. We'll also explore the ramifications of bulk operations in multiple-user environments, and learn one approach to coping with them. A variable array technique for selecting large numbers of records for an operation will be dissected, and we'll wrap the whole thing up in an error handling scheme that provides the end-user with clear, actionable information should something go wrong.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Pro Advanced
What You Will Learn
- The performance and data integrity implications of manipulating large numbers of records in a single opreration.
- How to create "picker" windows to simplify data selection for users.
- A script and variable "array" technique for moving or creating bulk data.
- Techniques for managing runtime errors and avoiding failed procedures.
| 10:30 a.m. |
Solution Design and Planning | Session - Core | Beginner |
Katherine Russell (Russellware, Inc.)
Session Description Designing a FileMaker solution means identifying requirements and organizing them in a way that makes sense to you and your client. With a goal of helping you produce clean, accurate and useful solutions, this session will demonstrate how to turn concepts into reality. We will look at collecting information, diagramming requirements as FileMaker processes and relationships, working with standards such as naming conventions and Relationships Graph arrangement, and techniques for managing the design process and staying on track. The concepts discussed in this session will be explored further in the workshop of the same name.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro 10
- FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced
- FileMaker 10 Server
What You Will Learn
- The elements of design for a FileMaker solution
- How to analyze and organize a new project to create an accurate, useful solution
- 5 ways to keep a project on track
- How to manage changes to project goals
| 10:30 a.m. |
Preparing for Data Modeling | FTS | Intermediate |
Andrew LeCates (FileMaker, Inc.)
Session Description Effective applications depend on effective data models. It's critical to understand the practical application of relational data models as well as the available options and uses for FileMaker's schema elements: tables, relationships, fields, layouts, and portals. This session will cover behaviors that will affect your approach to assembling meaningful views of data from groups of related tables. Note: An additional fee is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one DVD of the FTS materials for one or more sessions (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Product Line
What You Will Learn
- Setting appropriate storage options
- Inferring behaviors from the relationships graph
- Using multi-keys to manipulate data sets
- Using multi-keys to manipulate data sets
- Managing integrity with different relationship types
- Understanding layout context
- Predicting behavior for layouts, objects, and scripts
| 10:30 a.m. |
FileMaker & Microsoft Office: Content Sharing for Mere Mortals | Session - Integration/Web | Beginner |
Colleen Hammersley (DataWaves)
Session Description Open Office XML facilitates new levels of interoperability between data stored in FileMaker and documents created or edited in Microsoft Office. This session will introduce FileMaker developers to the OOXML format and demonstrate how data can be exchanged. We will walk through basic examples using real world scenarios and end with a discussion of resources available to further enhance and extend data exchange between FileMaker and Office documents.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro; Office 2007; XML
- XPath
- XSLT
What You Will Learn
- Open XML: what is it and why should I care
- Word: How to merge data into & extract data from Word Template using Content Controls
- Excel: How to add rows to an existing spreadsheet
- What else is possible?
- How do I learn more and where can I get additional information
| 10:30 a.m. |
Getting Started with FileMaker and PHP -- Putting YOUR Data on the Web | Workshop - Integration/Web | Beginner |
Chris Hansen (Nifty Technologies)
Session Description Most current FileMaker developers have the desire and/or need to take their data to the Web -- be it internet, extranet, or intranet. However, the learning curve is quite different than that of FileMaker Pro. While I recognize this, my experience (particularly as a trainer) indicates that a large part of this difficulty can be surmounted by aiding those just starting out to get their data to the Web for that explosive "Aha!" moment. Although beginner level, anything except a workshop simply does not provide this opportunity.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Server
- HTML
- PHP
- the FileMaker API for PHP
- FX.php
- FileMaker Pro
What You Will Learn
- Very basic HTML/CSS, and available tools to give beginners a leg up.
- Very basic PHP, and available resources for beginners.
- Retrieval of FileMaker data via PHP (simple, sample code will be provided for the FileMaker API for PHP and FX.php)
- Debugging and troubleshooting when working with FileMaker via PHP
| 10:30 a.m. |
Those Who Can't Teach | Workshop - Core | Intermediate |
Tim Jones (Accelerate Computer Training)
Session Description Those who can, do, and those who can't, teach, right? But sometimes you have to do both. Imagine you have just built and deployed the perfect solution for your client and now they want you to teach a half-day session on how to use it. Your tongue starts to swell. You're a developer, not a public speaker. This session will not give you the charm or persuasiveness of a presidential candidate, but it will teach you how to plan an effective training session using the natural order of discovery, use proper training methodology, anticipate and address questions, and do's and don'ts for when you conduct the training.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro
What You Will Learn
- Learn how to plan a successful training session using the natural order of discovery.
- Implement the Define - Show - Do - Review training methodology.
- Anticipate and address questions in a respectful, professional manner.
- Know the most important things to do and not to do while conducting a training session.
| 10:30 a.m. |
Trigger Happy! | Session - Design/Develop | Advanced |
David Knight (Angel City Data)
Session Description You've mastered Script Triggers...or have you? This session will open your mind to some unexpected and clever uses of Script Triggers. We'll look at design techniques that allow you to vastly improve scalability and performance. You'll see innovative new ways to present data to users with special needs and learn a number of cool new ways to provide your users with drag & drop dashboards, slick help systems, tailored reporting, animated interaction and other user enhancements. Don't shoot yourself in the foot. Learn how to effectively pull the trigger on this great product feature.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Pro Advanced. Mac or Windows
What You Will Learn
- Improve your systems with clever and creative uses of Script Triggers
- Make simple changes to existing systems that help database performance skyrocket
- Discover interaction techniques that make your databases easier and more fun to use
- Use drag and drop and other UI techniques that enhance the way people work
| 12:00 p.m. |
K-12 Education In-house Developer Discussion | Special Meeting | General |
Leslie Kareckas
Join this special discussion for K-12 school- or district-based in-house developers attending DevCon. This is a great opportunity to network with other educators that are developers to learn about how they are using FileMaker Pro in their schools and districts. Meet new people, exchange ideas, and learn more about FileMaker Pro and K-12.
| 12:00 p.m. |
Americas SBA Program Information Meeting | Special Meeting | General |
Teresa Buchholz
If you are interested in bundling your solution with FileMaker software and would like to learn more about the Solution Bundle Agreement (SBA) program, please join this interactive discussion led by FileMaker staff. You will learn about the application process, requirements for your solutions and how to get the most out of the program. This information meeting is for FileMaker Business Alliance members in the Americas'. If you are an existing SBA member, please join us for the Members-Only Round-Table.
| 12:00 p.m. |
Using Video & Social Media to Promote your Business | Special Meeting | General |
Alexandra Gebhardt
In this session, you'll learn some techniques for creating outstanding content that supports and promotes your business. If you've considered using video to enhance your marketing efforts this is the session for you! We'll review various types of video content from interviews with customers to screencasts, how to plan your topics for maximum impact, and some general tips on how to capture, edit, and format your videos for distribution across a range of social video sites including YouTube. Creating your brand on these social video sites, incorporating the content onto your website, tips for spreading the news about your clips, and of course how to determine the right video portals for your content will also be discussed. Bring your ideas and questions and get ready for an informative look at social video creation and distribution!
| 1:30 p.m. |
Solution Design and Planning | Workshop - Core | Beginner |
Katherine Russell (Russellware, Inc.)
Session Description Designing a FileMaker solution means identifying requirements and organizing them in a way that makes sense to you and your client. With a goal of helping you produce clean, accurate and useful solutions, this session will demonstrate how to turn concepts into reality. In this workshop, we will collect information, diagram requirements as FileMaker processes and relationships, identify standards such as naming conventions and Relationships Graph arrangement, and practice staying on track. These concepts are explored further in the session of the same name.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro 10
- FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced
- FileMaker 10 Server
What You Will Learn
- The elements of design for a FileMaker solution
- How to analyze and organize a new project to create an accurate, useful solution
- 5 ways to keep a project on track
- How to manage changes to project goals
| 1:30 p.m. |
Quick Start Screen Design: Design Like a Pro Today! | Session - Design/Develop | Beginner |
Bob Shockey (Alchemy Group)
Session Description Designing effective interfaces is an art - that you can learn! See how you can visually organize information that is inviting, empowering and intuitive. Learn how to present large amounts of granular information using the tools that pro graphic designers employ every day. We'll show you fresh design approaches you can employ, using both tools and common image editors in FileMaker Pro. Understand when to use graphics and color and when not to. Discover how to spot and remove "noise" from your screens. See how new features like Portal filtering, Merge Variables, and Drag-n-Drop allow you even greater design options.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro and Advanced; Adobe Photoshop and other image editors
What You Will Learn
- See how you can make your solutions intuitive, calming and inviting
- Learn how to organize and display information for maximum effect
- Discover tooltip, tab object & conditional formatting tips that save space and reduce clutter
- Understand color and graphic techniques that help emphasize and enhance information
| 1:30 p.m. |
FileMaker & Microsoft Office: Content Sharing for Mere Mortals, Let's Play | Workshop - Integration/Web | Beginner |
Colleen Hammersley (DataWaves)
Session Description Open Office XML facilitates new levels of interoperability between data stored in FileMaker and documents created or edited in Microsoft Office. This workshop will delve into the OOXML format. We will explore the components of open packaging, discuss various methods to write & extract data from these parts and walk through examples using real world scenarios. We will discuss various challenges that data exchange presents and explore solutions and tools available to assist developers in overcoming these challenges. This workshop will allow time for more in depth question and discussion.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro; Office 2007; XML
- XPath
- XSLT
What You Will Learn
- Open XML: We'll unzip the package and explore the parts using a text editor
- Word & Excel: More hands on with files. We'll explore the sample files, working with both FileMaker and MSOffice 2007
- What else is possible: We'll walk through a real world example in depth & discuss solution specific challenges
- What else is possible?
- How do I learn more and where can I get additional information?
- Q & A: questions throughout the workshop
| 1:30 p.m. |
FileMaker Server Essentials | Session - Core | Intermediate |
Matthew O'Dell (FileMaker, Inc.)
Session Description FileMaker Server is the backbone of the workgroup deployment. How do I get adequate IT support? How do I ensure availability? How can I plan for scalability? These are key questions that we discuss with FileMaker users and developers daily. This session will cover the features of FileMaker Server and how they impact everyone from small departments to large workgroups. It will discuss the keys to successful scalability. This is a must see session for attendees looking to get the best performance and stability from a hosted FileMaker solution.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Server
- FileMaker Pro
- Operating System Performance Monitoring
What You Will Learn
- Explore the critical features of the FileMaker Server product.
- Examine techniques for improving availability of a solution.
- Discuss considerations for scaling of a FileMaker application.
- Show examples of developing for large workgroups
| 1:30 p.m. |
Systems Integration for FileMaker Developers | Session - Integration/Web | Intermediate |
Kirk Bowman (MightyData)
Session Description Most FileMaker solutions need to push or pull data from external sources. These integration processes can increase the productivity of the organization. This session will provide an overview of the key integration technologies for FileMaker. Learn the basics of ESS (ODBC and SQL databases), web publishing (XML and PHP) and plug-ins (web services and more). Learn what each is, why it is important and when to use it. Discover several resources for self-study and examine some case studies of real world integration.
Products & Technologies
- ESS
- ODBC
- SQL databases
- FileMaker Server
- Web Publishing Engine
- XML
- PHP
- Web services
- Plug-ins like SmartPill and ScriptMaster
What You Will Learn
- Learn what ESS is and how to work with SQL databases
- Learn what web publishing is and how to use data on the web
- Learn key plug-ins that can expand access to external sources
- Learn general strategies and tactics for systems integration
| 1:30 p.m. |
Preparing for Layouts and User Interface | FTS | Advanced |
David Head (FileMaker, Inc.)
Session Description This session will take a critical look at the use, set up and behavior of layouts and layout objects. We will examine field control options and when they can be used; the how, when and where of conditional formatting; and what you need to know about resizing layout objects. We will look specifically at what has changed in layout design in FileMaker Pro 11. This session will pose questions about layout objects and their configuration that are important in studying for FileMaker Certification. It concludes with a quick fire set of layout shortcuts to speed up your layout design. Note: An additional fee is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one DVD of the FTS materials for one or more sessions (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro 11
- FileMaker Training Series
- Layout Objects
What You Will Learn
- What formatting and behavior options are available for which objects
- Considerations in the use of layout objects - tab controls, web viewers, portals, merge fields/variables
- Managing layouts and layout setup
- Conditional formatting application and behavior and Tooltip options for content display
- Using the new Inspector - naming objects, auto-resizing, formatting, field control
| 3:15 p.m. |
Power Tools to Make Development with FileMaker Pro Easier and Faster | Session - Design/Develop | Beginner |
Tim Neudecker (Kyo Logic LLC)
Session Description What is in your toolbox? Attendees will learn about many wonderful third party applications and utilities that can assist with FileMaker development. Many tools will be examined and demonstrated for both the Macintosh and Windows environment. Learn to use Base Elements and Analyzer to explore solutions and resolve complex dependancy issues. Many of the tools presented are free, while others are worth more than their cost. Learn to find problems before your client does. Save time while developing and gather requirements. Draw ERDs quickly and solve common development issues fast.
Products & Technologies
- Base Elements
- Analyzer
- Clip Manager
- Super Container
- Snapz Pro X
- SnagIt
- EverNote
- Script Master
- CNS Menu
- BBEdit
- FMDiff
- NaviCat
- FM Expression Editor
What You Will Learn
- To use DDR exploring tools such as Base Elements and Analyzer
- Third party FileMaker developer tools
- Plug-ins that can help you develop faster
- Non-FMP related utilities that can help with development
| 3:15 p.m. |
Creating and Deploying Custom Menus | Session - Core | Intermediate |
Jerry Robin (FMPtraining)
Session Description Custom Menus are an underused and insufficiently appreciated tool that allow the developer to modify and enhance the menus in FileMaker Pro, making the menus more meaningful and appropriate for different users. Among other capabilities, Custom Menus can be used to hide certain commands from users, while giving users easier access to other commands. Consequently, they can provide a level of "security lite" in the user interface that can prevent users from making many of the most egregious data management faux pas. In addition, Custom Menus allow the developer to include a script as a command in any menu, making virtually unlimited functionality available to users at the developer's discretion. Assigning custom titles to menus and menu items can also make your database look more like a custom application. Well-implemented Custom Menus can reduce training time and minimize technical support needs. However, the concepts behind creating Custom Menus can be rather overwhelming at first. We'll cover all the topics listed above as we take you step-by-step through the process. The first step in understanding Custom Menus lies in the terminology: before you can start, you have to be clear on the distinction between Menu Sets, Menus and Menu Items. We'll methodically drill down from Menu Sets to Menus to Menu Items. Then we'll further disassemble all the options, including Commands and Submenus. You'll learn how the Command attached to a Menu Item can be different from the Item's Behavior. This knowledge will open the door to some very powerful interface tools - like preventing users from activating the Close box. Additional topics will be covered in the follow-up workshop.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced
What You Will Learn
- Clarifying the terms: Menu Sets, Menus and Menu Items
- Navigating the multi-level dialog boxes for managing Custom Menus
- Adding commands and scripts to Custom Menus
- Installing different Menu Sets for different accounts and privilege sets
| 3:15 p.m. |
SQL to the Rescue: An introduction to SQL Reporting in FileMaker Itself | Session - Design/Develop | Intermediate |
Michael Lee (The Proof Group LLC)
Session Description This session will guide you through the steps required to use SQL to query FileMaker directly. We will begin with an overview of SQL syntax, covering all the SQL that will be used during the session. Demonstrations will include returning SQL results via the calculation engine, as well as how to use those results to drive user interface, reporting, or data manipulation. Attendees will learn how to use SQL techniques to reduce relationship graph clutter and layout dependencies. A follow-on workshop delves deeper into these techniques.
Products & Technologies
- SQL Basics
- Plugins
- Scripting
- Custom Functions
- Calculations
What You Will Learn
- Use SQL statements to query FileMaker directly (no external server required)
- Reduce the number of tables, relationships and extract data in unrelated tables
- Create cross-tabbed reports
- Learn all the basic SQL you need to know
| 3:15 p.m. |
Systems Integration for FileMaker Developers | Workshop - Integration/Web | Intermediate |
Kirk Bowman (MightyData)
Session Description Most FileMaker solutions need to push or pull data from external sources. These integration processes can increase the productivity of the organization. This workshop will continue the overview of the key integration technologies for FileMaker. Learn the basics of ESS (ODBC and SQL databases), web publishing (XML and PHP) and plug-ins (web services and more). Learn what each is, why it is important and when to use it. Discuss the lingo and concepts from the general session with your peers and learn from the experience of others.
Products & Technologies
- ESS
- ODBC
- SQL databases
- FileMaker Server
- Web Publishing Engine
- XML
- PHP
- Web services
- Plug-ins like SmartPill and ScriptMaster
What You Will Learn
- Learn what ESS is and how to work with SQL databases
- Learn what web publishing is and how to use data on the web
- Learn key plug-ins that can expand access to external sources
- Learn general strategies and tactics for systems integration
| 3:15 p.m. |
Preparing for Calculations | FTS | Advanced |
David Head (FileMaker, Inc.)
Session Description This session is about the use and features of calculation functions. While we cannot cover details of over 300 FileMaker functions, we will consider groups of functions in terms of their similarities and differences to provide tools to study for FileMaker Certification. We will use the online help to discover the correct and supported use of some functions. This is consolidated with some tips for discovering more about functions, how they work with inputs and the specific results they return. Note: An additional fee is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one DVD of the FTS materials for one or more sessions (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro
- FileMaker Training Series
- Calculation Functions
What You Will Learn
- Function input and output data types
- Case sensitivity in text functions
- Using out of range values for inputs
- Calculation structures including Let and commenting
- Review the use of more obscure but important functions like Choose and Evaluate
- Using custom functions to simplify expression, store logic and perform recursion
| 4:45 p.m. |
Building and Deploying Solutions in the Medical Research Space | Workshop - Core | General |
Stephen Gallagher (FileMaker)
Session Description FileMaker is widely used in the medical field for research and management. In this session we will examine how leading research institutions have built and deployed FileMaker solutions, covering examples of success and environmental integration. We'll survey functioning solutions that utilize infrastructure found in institutions conducting medical research. If you work with or in, clinical facilities, teaching hospitals, or state and federal research agencies, come learn from your peers and share your experience.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Product Line
What You Will Learn
- Ways that you can leverage the power of FileMaker in the medical research space
| 4:45 p.m. |
FileMaker 11 Reports and the Art of Information Display | Session - Core | Intermediate |
Doug Gardner (Exoteric Inc.)
Session Description You've got all that data in the database, now it's time to pull it all together and put it to use. In this session we'll breeze through some basics, then get right to the good stuff; creating complex reports using dynamic sub-summaries and showing how to use them to make very large data sets intelligible and navigable for users of all backgrounds by using a common interface. We'll also explore the new charting feature in FileMaker Pro, showing you how to make your data come alive with sparklines, dynamic status bars, stop lights, and more.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro 11
- FileMaker Pro 11 Advanced
What You Will Learn
- How to create a multipurpose interface for navigating large and small data sets
- When to use dynamic sub-summaries vs. printed sub-summaries vs. portal filtering
- Key concepts in information display
- How to integrate FileMaker 11 charts into your reports and into your user interface.
| 4:45 p.m. |
Quick Start Screen Design: Advanced Concepts You Can Use Now! | Session - Design/Develop | Intermediate |
Bob Shockey (Alchemy Group)
Session Description First impressions are everything - learn to make a big splash with your database solution! Use these advanced techniques to manage the user experience through color, texture, and iconography. Learn to use concepts like object hierarchy, framing, rhythm and balance to give your screens punch and make them easy to know at a glance. Explore how branding promotes confidence in the software, and how to use it. Get tips on where the best icon sets can be found, as well as some basic techniques for creating your own icons. Learn what pro graphic designers know - and use it to your advantage!
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro
- Adobe Photoshop
What You Will Learn
- Learn how color works to your advantage to influence the user's experience, and how to use it in FileMaker Pro!
- Learn how to select the best icons, where to find good icon sets, and how to make your own.
- Understand best practices for using graphics in FileMaker Pro, and the differences between graphic file formats.
- Learn a modular approach to screen design that promotes confidence and exploration.
| 4:45 p.m. |
Preparing for Scripts - Part 1 | FTS | Intermediate |
John Mark Osborne (Database Pros)
Session Description The Saved Finds feature in FileMaker Pro allows you to quickly save a found set of records for future retrieval. The saved find criteria are bound to the current account so they can't be shared on the network easily. There are four methods for saving found sets for future retrieval. Each method has advantages and disadvantages which will be explored with different examples. During the discussions, many scripts steps and concepts will be covered including record locking, the Go to Related Record script step, Script Variables, error capturing, Script Parameters, multi-key relationships, table occurrences, looping scripts and much more. Attending this two part session will help prepare you for the FileMaker certification test in regards to scripting questions. A brief summary of the first session will be given at the beginning of the second session but it is recommended you attend both sessions for the best experience. Additional things you will learn: - Script Variables (Global vs Local) - Error Capture - Script Parameters - Looping Scripts - Preparing for Certification Note: An additional fee is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one DVD of the FTS materials for one or more sessions (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro
What You Will Learn
- Understanding Script Steps
- Record Locking in Script Steps (steps that will fail when locked)- portal and window locking issues
- When to use Commit
- Go to Related Records Script Step and context discussions
| 4:45 p.m. |
Getting Started with the New FileMaker ODBC and JDBC Integration | Session - Integration/Web | Intermediate |
Greg Lane (Skeleton Key)
Session Description FileMaker 11 has brand new ODBC and JDBC drivers that are easier to use, faster, and offer better compatibility with third-party applications. Learn to install and configure FileMaker ODBC and JDBC client drivers and how to share your data from FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Server Advanced. This session will demonstrate practical examples of using the new drivers with common applications, including mail merge with word processors, pivot tables with spreadsheets, and other examples using various reporting and charting tools. We'll also explore the basic SQL commands that are compatible with FileMaker ODBC.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro 11
- FileMaker Server 11 Advanced
- ODBC
- JDBC
- SQL
- Mac OS X
- Windows
What You Will Learn
- Learn to install and configure FileMaker ODBC and JDBC client drivers
- See practical examples of using the drivers with common client applications
- Learn how to use each of the basic SQL statements
- Discover important ODBC-related changes you need to know before upgrading existing systems
| 4:45 p.m. |
Developing for Maximum WAN Performance | Workshop - Design/Develop | Advanced |
Mark Richman (Skeleton Key)
Session Description FileMaker gives developers a variety of options for making your database available to remote FileMaker Pro users over a WAN or the Internet, but not all solutions (or budgets) are well suited to the traditional methods for maximizing WAN performance, e.g. thin clients (e.g., Citrix) or remote desktops (e.g., GoToMyPC). See how small changes in your approach to developing and deploying your databases can have a serious impact on how your applications perform natively. The examples will be used as the basis for a discussion of the methods demonstrated, and workshop attendees are encouraged to share their experiences related to the development of WAN-accessed applications.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro
- FileMaker Pro Advanced
- FileMaker Server
- FileMaker Server Advanced
What You Will Learn
- An overview of the available models for deploying FileMaker solutions across a WAN
- How different aspects of your database design can drastically impact performance
- How common changes in the underlying server and network architecture can impact performance
- Taking it up a notch: The importance and value of regular performance and failure testing
| 9:00 p.m. |
Go go... FileMaker Go for the iPhone and iPad | Session - FileMaker Go | General |
William Heizer (FileMaker, Inc.)
Session Description This evening session will be your introduction to FileMaker Go for the iPhone and iPad. Accessing your database applications from FileMaker Go is a revolutionary experience. With little to no solution development you can enjoy the mobility of your device paired with a full featured FileMaker client that supports the FileMaker real-time connection model. We will survey the features of FileMaker Go and compare behavior similarities and differences with FileMaker Pro. We'll examine: layouts, scripts, triggers, calculations, portals, and more. Performance and connectivity considerations will also be covered, as well as starting points for developing solutions designed specifically for the iPhone or iPad. Attendees should leave with a solid footing of where they can go... with FileMaker Go.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Server
What You Will Learn