FileMaker Pro 8.5 (Universal) Shipping with New Feature--Live Web Data on Demand

FileMaker, Inc., announced the immediate availability of FileMaker Pro 8.5, the first desktop database to provide built-in integration with live web data. As easy as it is to bookmark a web page, a live web page can now be added to a record in a database using the new Web Viewer Control in FileMaker Pro 8.5. Data in specified record fields, such as customer's address or product name, will drive the URL in the Web Viewer. Set it up once and there will be a live web link for every record in the database. Possibilities include street maps based on a customer address field, shipping status based on a shipment tracking number and stock performance charts based on a stock symbol.

"Delivering web data on demand continues our tradition of setting new standards in the database market," said Dominique Goupil, president, FileMaker, Inc. "With the new Web Viewer in FileMaker Pro 8.5, we are leading the way users will harness Web data. And we expect to reignite the workgroup database category with this breakthrough benefit."

The new product line includes FileMaker Pro 8.5, FileMaker Pro 8.5 Advanced, FileMaker Server 8.0v4 and FileMaker Server 8.0v4 Advanced and all feature new Universal Application support. FileMaker Pro 8.5 runs on Mac OS X on Intel-based Macs delivering up to 91 percent (116 percent for the server edition) faster performance vs. running on Power PC, based on the company's benchmark testing. The new versions also run on Power PC-based Macs, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

Available exclusively within FileMaker Pro 8.5, FileMaker also introduces the FileMaker Learning Center, a convenient way for users of all levels to learn FileMaker at their own pace. The FileMaker Learning Center includes free video tutorials, how-to guides and many other resources.

FileMaker Pro 8.5 also offers powerful new object functions and scripting capabilities, features that carry on the company's tradition of providing greater productivity for developers and more intuitive solutions for users.

The upgrade prices are $99 from v8.x and $179 from v7.x or 6.x. [Bill Fox]