I work for a small company just over a year old. I have them sold on
the idea of a database for tracking their sales and order entry (plus
many other duties). We are going to develop our own database and are
trying to decide which software to use. We are windows based, have
Access, and a trial version of FMP 8.5. I have used Access for the
past few years and would call my skills above intermediate but
definitely not expert. I used FMP years ago (before it was relational
~ 1987) but loved it. One of the owners is our IT manager and knows a
lot, but not about database (theory or practice). He is leaning toward
FMP because of the security issues (he says it should be easier to
utilize and less vulnerable when on the Internet). Nevertheless, we
are still about 50/50 in our decision.

Either way, I am the most knowledgeable on database management. I have
been reviewing the trial FMP and I quickly remembered what I loved,
however some of the database basics I don't see are like assigning a
primary key; it almost seems as if FMP goes out of their way not to
use the term in any of their documentation or even the "Bible" I
purchased at Borders.

After reading a lot, I understand FMP used to be relational by linking
files, but now it can all be done with one file, multiple tables. Yet
the fast solutions Filemaker's website offers seem to make me link all
these files. It almost feels like I "know too much" to use FMP. I'm
looking for terms and ways to set up the database that don't exist in
FMP. Is this just a learning curve or what am I missing?

I am honestly open to using either program. What are your
suggestions?

PS I read the comparison article on the Filemaker website, but it is a
few years old.

<AllYourSpam (AT) Hotmail (DOT) com> wrote:

I don't see a problem with primary keys: you can have an indexed serial
number in every table when you want it.

Filemaker is easier to learn and use (and more fun, mostly), but it's
messier with the data. You cannot really seperate data and structure.

If you want a front end solution and the data is on an Oracle server or
something, you're better of with Access. Filemaker can only import the
data (there's just an SQL command script that might enable you to write
back changes). There are rumours about Filemaker 9 coming out later this
year and being different in this point.

The cost for the licences might be an issue. You already have Access,
but you'll need to buy FM Server and Clients. And you'll have an
additional program to maintain.

A possible issue: If you have to hand over the management of the
database to a person with no Access or Filemaker skills, what might be
easier to learn and explain?

If you want to make changes on the database, what will be quicker? And
what is more fun to use.

I'd go for Filemaker because I love it whilst I don't like working with
Access.
--
http://clk.ch

On May 31, 3:21 pm, c... (AT) freesurf (DOT) ch (Christoph Kaufmann) wrote:
Let me clarify - They have no database as yet. So there will be no
"import" issues. All the data is in spreadsheets and contact files
and ... etc. Money is not an issue, as such. Yes, we have a few copies
of Access, but the licensing on FMP is something the company is
willing to go for, no problem.

One other issue I forgot is that the database (either Access or FM)
will need to "talk" to QuickBooks. With either program I have found
3rd party software that will transfer data to and from QB. I have
worked with the Access one, but the one for Filemaker seems more
involved (programming wise) and I don't have a Filemaker database
structure set up yet so I can't really test the transfer capabilities.

Use Filemaker. Cross platform compatible, IWP, and relational design and
privilege control is easy.

There are plugins to transfer data both ways for QuickBooks.

You would be smart to get a developer to create the database in 8.5 for you.

Regards
--
Lawrance Database Designs
A J Lawrance
British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 801.938.6766
Fax: 801.457.3178
URL: http://www.members.shaw.ca/ajlawrance/index.html


<AllYourSpam (AT) Hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

On May 31, 12:20 pm, AllYourS... (AT) Hotmail (DOT) com wrote:
I'm sure your recent research can give you a better view of what's
better for your situation. I'll just say the basics of relational
design are as avaible in Filemaker as Access, but don't look to the
Filemaker's provided documentation for design advice . The help files
are great at learning how to use FM, but give nothing in learning the
principles of db design and most of the provided templates...they're
just shameful.

On Jun 2, 9:39 am, "AL Lawrance" <ajlawra... (AT) shaw (DOT) ca> wrote:

Can I have a hint where to find the Quickbooks plug-in please?

CRC123 wrote:

http://www.filebookslink.com/