By: Wardy Miller
A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article, extolling the virtues of Bento, the personal database. Since that time I was asked by the Filemaker folks to take a look at Filemaker Pro. I must say I am quite impressed. FileMaker Pro Version 9 will run on Mac, (ahem Windows) and across the web. 

Running your own business can be overwhelming. People to meet, things to do, inventory, projects, and so forth. Many of the tools used to manage these tasks are templates that you are presented with upon starting Filemaker the first time. 

I am one of those people who could find a ton of uses for databases, but I am too lazy to create one, FileMaker Pro is a godsend. I am able to create a project management database with the click of a button, and can begin inputing data immediately, without having to manually create the database and the form before I can do any work.

FileMaker Pro is loaded with plenty of templates, to get you started quickly. This version can handle anything from inventory management to email campaigns. This product is a very robust and capable database. Manipulation of the pre defined templates is effortless, and there is not much database knowledge needed. 

As I stated previously, I am from a windows environment, and have had cause to use MS Access as well as MS-SQL. Neither come close to the simplicity of Filemaker. If I was starting a business or coming into a business to consult, Filemaker would be on the top of my list of recommendations. However I must add, if you are STRICTLY a home user Bento is a better way to go. 

The Bottom line:
If you are a business owner, and want to use a Mac for your business machine, FileMaker Pro is a can’t miss.