A complex online database project containing information on over 450,000 bodies of water — built from top to bottom in just two months time. A challenge? Certainly. But a challenge met by the developers at Starmark International, thanks to the power of FileMaker Pro — the award-winning database software application from FileMaker, Inc.

Business Challenge

The assignment came in late 2000. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, a Virginia–based group promoting water–oriented sports and conservation activities planned to introduce its new online information service with a national advertising campaign early in 2001 — and Starmark emerged as the successful bidder in the competition for putting the site together. 'We specialize in technology, marine, government, and travel–tourism clients,' explains Starmark webmaster Brett Circe. 'They prefer our solutions because our creative work is top notch and our technology friendly to use. We have many competitors on specific areas of what we do, but none who offer all the services that Starmark offers under one roof.'

Upon receiving the contract to develop the RBFF site, Starmark set to work. 'Our idea for the site was to list bodies of water that were boatable and fishable, and relate to that boat ramps, tackle shops, boat repair shops, marinas, and so forth,' explains Brett. Added to this information is a range of other data useful to boaters and fishermen, including state–specific information on licensing requirements, seasons, and current news — as well as an assortment of how–to articles designed to enhance the boating and fishing experience. The result? WaterWorksWonders.org — a portal website for the RBFF drawing information from a dozen FileMaker Pro databases containing hundreds of thousands of individual records.

Successful Solution

'From 'go' we used one month for planning, and then 2 months of production using BlueWorld's Lasso,' notes Brett. 'We were able to develop this quickly and cost–effectively. I don't know if we were the least expensive bid, but I do know that by estimating our time in FileMaker development, we could keep our hours down and give them a competitive response that they could afford and we could deliver on almost all their needs.'

At the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation itself, program manager Kristen Chambers is more than happy with Starmark's work. 'FileMaker Pro is a lifesaver!,' she exults. 'Starmark International made an excellent, well–informed choice when they selected this software to support our Web site. FileMaker Pro provides a high level of flexibility and adaptability for our site, which like so many others is in a constant state of change and growth.'

FileMaker Pro is a lifesaver! Starmark International made an excellent, well–informed choice when they selected this software to support our Web site. FileMaker Pro provides a high level of flexibility and adaptability for our site, which like so many others is in a constant state of change and growth.

— Kristen Chambers, Program Manager, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation