FileMaker Go for iPad Review

FileMaker users, rejoice! Your wishes have been granted. On June 21, FileMaker, a subsidiary of Apple Inc., introduced FileMaker Go for accessing and modifying your FileMaker databases from the iPad. We are happy to report that this app will revolutionize the way businesses and individuals interact with their databases.

FileMaker Go for iPad allows for most of the functionality of FileMaker Pro with one small caveat: it can’t create new databases. No need to fret, however--the app does a tremendous amount, and its $40 pricetag is justified. Any database created in FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced versions 7 and beyond can be imported and accessed in FileMaker Go. These databases are accessible via iTunes filesharing, by connecting to FileMaker client or server, or as e-mail attachments that automatically launches FileMaker Go. In addition, FileMaker Go is compatible with Dropbox and Box.net.

This app provides support for External SQL sources such as MySQL and Oracle. Databases accessed and modified from a server will be updated in real-time, maintaining their accuracy and rendering collaboration between users effortless.

The polished interface allows for interaction using basic gestures, as well as the ability to tap and double-tap wherever a click or double-click, respectively, would be appropriate. These adaptions allow for optimized editing on a mobile platform. Basic functions such as adding, deleting, modifying, or searching through records are as quick as they would be from a desktop or laptop computer. Furthermore, companies are able to apply policies to their databases ensuring that modifications and transactions comply with their terms.

The Quick Find feature enables the user to instantly search through all available fields. Records can be sorted and omitted quickly. They may also be viewed in detailed format, as a list, or as a table. FileMaker Pro’s advanced features--such as the web viewer, portals, tab controls, and scripts support--have also been included in FileMaker Go, with a few small exceptions. For example, FileMaker Go can’t print scripts, simply because the iPad does not yet provide printing support (here’s hoping that changes in the near future).

I tested FileMaker Go with a desktop version of FileMaker Pro version 11. The similarities in both interfaces allowed for immediate use of FileMaker Go without having to spend much time learning its basics. This will prove to be useful for business-minded users who lack time to learn an entirely new program.

Using FileMaker Pro’s “Network Sharing” feature, I was able to broadcast an access point to retrieve databases within FileMaker Go. The speed of this feature was remarkable; within seconds, I could access my databases on my mobile device. Contents updated and saved on desktop were reflected almost immediately within FileMaker Go. Likewise, fields entered and modified in FileMaker Go were promptly visible within FileMaker Pro.

The ability to view multiple files at a given time using multiple windows is also excellent. This allows users to access several databases in an efficient manner, without having to worry about opening, closing and switching between the various files.

Despite its lack of PDF export, this is an app that is sure to improve mobile business computing: it’s quick, responsive, well-documented, simple, and above all useful. I highly recommend it to any business user or individual with access to FileMaker Pro versions 7 and beyond who needs mobile access to database files.