FileMaker Technical Network
A world of resources at your fingertips.
Tech briefs
Below is a list of a wide-array of technical briefs and white papers available to FileMaker Technical Network members only. Be sure to click on the title to see a description of each document.
Design
Using FileMaker Charts
- Newly added for the FileMaker 11 product line. This document not only explains how to create stunning charts in FileMaker, but also serves as a practical guide to understanding the best practices for creating effective and readable charts that accurately summarize your data.
Using Script Triggers in FileMaker Pro
- Script Triggers in FileMaker Pro allow scripts to execute when a supported event occurs such as entering a field or modifying data. This document takes you from setting up a script trigger all the way to discussing real world examples and troubleshooting.
Write Great Technical Documents for Your FileMaker Solutions
- The best database in the world is just “good” if your audience does not know how to use it. Many times, first class user documentation is an after thought. But remember, clear communication helps create confident users who get the most out of what you are delivering to them. This white paper will show how easy it is improve your work and the relationships with your clients through outstanding technical documentation.
Requirements for Good User Experience Design
- From drafting user specifications all the way up to delivering a final product, providing a good user experience is vital to the success of any FileMaker Pro designed solution. Find out what you need to break away from your current user interface and unleash the true potential of your solutions. From business goals to developing prototypes to using layout patterns, you owe it to you and your solutions to implement a solid user experience.
Fundamental Concepts of Relational Theory
- Knowing how to design in FileMaker Pro is only half the battle. The other half answers the question, “Why do I do what I do when it comes to a relational database?” It is vital to have an understanding of the origins of the relational model and the type of problems the model attempts to solve for its users. This document goes in depth and simplifies the reasoning why understanding the concepts of relational theory is important for all database development.
Approaches to Graph Modeling
- Anchor / Buoy model? Modular / Centric model? Satellite model? If you have spent anytime developing in FileMaker Pro you have probably heard these terms bantered about and wondered what they mean. These are all different ways of graph modeling in FileMaker Pro. This new paper will discuss these and other alternative approaches that developers have used in designing relational databases and relationships in FileMaker Pro— starting with those that are the most readily visualized. If you are new to FileMaker relational design this document is a great place to start in deciding what method is right for you and your solution.
Migrating Existing Solutions
- FileMaker Pro 7 saw one of the most significant upgrades in the product line’s history including increased ease of use along with power not seen before in FileMaker Pro. This document goes into detail concerning the many changes that have taken place between FileMaker 6 and FileMaker Generation-7. Find out what you should focus on when you moving your solutions from FileMaker Pro 6 to FileMaker Pro Generation-7.
FileMaker Server
FileMaker Server Configuration Guide for Windows and Macintosh
- With its introduction several years ago, FileMaker Server has expanded availability, enhanced security, and increased performance of hosted FileMaker Pro solutions around the world. FileMaker Server is designed to be up and running in as little as 30 minutes, but take the time to consult the field tested hardware and software configuration recommendations directly from the outstanding FileMaker Systems Engineers themselves in this document.
How to Take Advantage of New Server Model and Capabilities
- There is no better time than the present to move your old FileMaker Pro 6 solutions to FileMaker Pro 9 and FileMaker Server 9. This recently updated document will show you exactly what you need to be concerned about when moving to FileMaker Server 9. Among other things this document provides an in-depth description of many of the new features of FileMaker Server 9 and the best way to take advantage of them. From planning and preparing to testing and deployment, this document has it all.
Server External Authentication
- FileMaker Server 9 provides powerful and flexible security built right in the product. But for many organizations that already have a pre-established external means of authentication, this could mean double the work. Not to worry — FileMaker Server supports Active Directory and Open Directory and integrates seamlessly with both so that you can maintain your access lists in one centrally controlled location. If you are an Active / Open directory administrator and are looking to incorporate FileMaker Server, you owe yourself a look at this newly updated document.
Maintenance
File Management Best Practices
- Your data is your business. Whether you are a Fortune 500 company or a one-person operation, your data is equally important. In both cases it is imperative to put measures in place in the event the unexpected happens to your files and/or your data. Can you afford not to be as protected as you can be? Following the simple, yet detailed, guidelines as provided from FileMaker Technical Support staff, you will be prepared if a data disaster strikes you or your clients.
Security
Keeping Your Files Secure
- As is the case with all modern data management systems, care must be taken to protect the physical security of files containing sensitive data and/or valuable intellectual property. In doing so, you gain the confidence of your clients while minimizing exposure to brute force assault or other methods for obtaining forced access to the contents of your files. Protect yourself, your work, and your clients with the strategies discussed in this document. You can’t afford not to.
Understanding the Advanced Security System
- Security…everyone is concerned about it. The intent of this document is to assist the experienced FileMaker developer in better understanding the latest and greatest security features built into FileMaker Pro. It explores the differences between the security models of older versions of FileMaker Pro and what you should specifically be concerned about when moving your older solutions to FileMaker Pro.
Web/Integration
Web Integration with FileMaker
- Everything is on the web these days. Why not provide your FileMaker solutions and data to your web customers as well. It is a lot easier than you might think. FileMaker provides several different options for getting your data on the web depending on your needs and your skill level.
How to Benefit from Powerful New Web Publishing Capabilities
- This document discusses everything you need to know to migrate your solutions to the web using the powerful features of FileMaker Server 9 Advanced. From single and multi-machine configurations to how different functionality in FileMaker Pro works on the web, this document is a must read for anyone thinking about using the Web Publishing capabilities of the FileMaker product line.
External SQL Sources in Depth
- Imagine connecting to a large SQL-based sales force automation system or human resource database with the elegance of a FileMaker Pro solution. Now imagine connecting to this data without having to know any programming at all. Well, imagine no more. By reading this white paper anyone can be empowered to extend their FileMaker Pro solutions to include information located in SQL systems without knowing anything about SQL queries of a programming language.