FileMaker Pro/FileMaker Pro Advanced 14
Apple-owned FileMaker Inc. has updated its FileMaker Platform to version 14 with a number of new features to streamline the venerable database software as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Pro Advanced receive the new Script Workspace where you can create, edit, and view scripts and calculations in one spot, plus a redesigned FileMaker WebDirect that delivers a 25 percent speed boost and a redesigned toolbar that adapts to the screen size of users’ browsers on desktops or
tablets. The release also adds a bevy of design tools that work across mobile and desktop user interfaces, the new Launch Center for quickly accessing all your databases, improvements to FileMaker Server 14 that speed up recovery from a lost or unreliable network connection, and an updated user interface for the free FileMaker Go 14 iOS app. You can upgrade from FileMaker Pro 11, 12, or 13 to FileMaker Pro 14 for $196 and to FileMaker Pro Advanced 14 for $329 (upgrade eligibility from version 11 ends on 25
September, 2015). ($329/$549 new, paid upgrade, 420 MB, 10.9+)
I am hearing reports that there is some authentication error bug in the released version of 14 Server. Users may wish to watch for further information before installing the new version. I read that some hosting sites are having to run off the trials versions for 30 days as a work around.
I saw that too in FileMaker's official forum. Also a problem with Send to Email (a critical feature for a lot of business users) though that may only be with the Windows version of FileMaker Pro. It definitely looks like waiting for a point release before upgrading is warranted and I expect such an update will come soon.
The new Script Workspace looks like a great improvement, it was definitely overdue for some updates.
Filemaker has disappointed too often that I could trust these guys being serious. Several times changing of data structure (where conversion hardly ever worked properly) and steady stuff not working or smart features lost. I am not convinced that this new version will run on my computer soon.....
This comment doesn't match my experience at all. The file format has only changed 3 times (v3 in 1994, v7 in 2004, v12 in 2012). only conversion from v3 to v7 was rough but it was the script steps, not the data conversion that was the problem. v7 to v12 was quite easy. I don't know what "steady stuff not working" means. I don't know what's been lost that could be called a "smart feature;" they dropped Instant Web Publishing which was good because it sucked.
The only part that rings true is about whether or not the version will run on your operating system. They are Apple-owned and only support FileMaker on a couple of OS X versions at a time. I do wish they'd support more versions but now that OS X is free and hasn't changed hardware requirements for a few versions, it's harder to argue against upgrading your OS once or twice in the life of your hardware.