MightyNews - October 2011

Hello FileMaker user,

Welcome to our October newsletter. We hope everyone is enjoying the crisp weather of Autumn and looking forward to Halloween! Check out the new articles from the MightyData team and the latest FileMaker training events.

If you enjoy the content in our newsletter, be sure to check our MightyBlog with inside knowledge from the MightyData team.

FileMaker Server: Disabling Java Updates

by Kirk Bowman

A common question on the TechTalk mailing list or on FMForums is Why has the FileMaker Server Admin Console stopped working? Usually, this is because a recent Java update has been installed on the computer running the Admin Console. The fix typically involves either rolling back to an earlier version of Java (not always possible) or waiting for a patch from FileMaker Inc. (FMI) to update the Admin Console to run with the newer version of Java. Read more...

Mac OS X Lion & FileMaker Server 11

by Kirk Bowman

In a previous article, I discussed the compatibility of FileMaker 11 and Mac OS X Lion (10.7). When Lion was released in July, FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server were not compatible. In August, FileMaker Inc. (FMI) released the FileMaker Pro 11.0v4 update. The update modifies the existing installation of FileMaker Pro (or FileMaker Pro Advanced) to be compatible.

This week FMI released the FileMaker Server 11.0v4 update. This update is a brand new installer, which means it requires uninstalling any previous installation of FileMaker Server 11 (or FileMaker Server Advanced), regardless of the version of Mac OS X. Although the update has only been out for a few days, I am not aware of any issues with it. If you have a different experience, please leave a comment below.

The Importance of Consistency

by Martha Zink

Fields. Layouts. Calculations. Relationships. All of these are invaluable pieces of FileMaker and we, as developers, implement our own flare, excitement, and style to each of them. And as a lover of the Liberal Arts I believe that we should always thrive to be excited about what we do and how we do it. But do you know what makes it a better experience? Consistency. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. Read more...

FileMaker Feud 2011, Round 2

by Kirk Bowman

The second video from the first annual FileMaker Feud at the 2011 FileMaker Developer Conference is now online. (Here is Part 1). In this video, Laura Betz and Lee Lukehart take on Perren Smith and Mark Richman to determine who advances to the final round. The crowd was warmed up so there is plenty of friendly banter with the host Dave Weisiger. Watch the video!

Email Management: Keeping the Sink Clear

by Susan Fennema

In my past blogs, I’ve discussed how to make things happen with goal setting, to-do lists and prioritization. But, how does the crazy amount of email that we receive daily fit into that? Many people receive over 200 emails per day. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of it. And watch for Part 2 of this blog – how to file emails.

First, the most important rule is not to fall behind. Once you have over about 20 emails to deal with, you can get easily overwhelmed and then choose to ignore them. Here’s some news – they’re not going to go away! It is best to acknowledge, organize and/or answer your emails within 4 hours, maximum. The world is getting faster. Everyone expects you to get back to them instantly – especially in this day of iChat and text messaging. Communication is expected to be immediate. Read more...

FileMaker Music Survey

by Guest Writer Matt Navarre

Within the FileMaker community, there seem to be several subcultures. Music, photography, woodworking, and knitting just to name a few. At DevCon, we used to have a jam session that was generally packed with too many people wanting to play and sing. We had to impose limits such as only play for 3 songs, and then hand off the guitar or drum kit to the next person in line.

As a musician, I wondered if there was a link between music and FileMaker development – perhaps they are both forms of creative expression, or linked to skill in logic and math? Is there a correlation between expertise in the two fields? How many developers are also musicians? Read more...

FileMaker Academy Offers Free Webinars

MightyData is pleased to announce its affiliation with FileMaker Academy, a consortium of leading FileMaker development companies in the United States. All FM Academy members are Platinum-level members of the FileMaker Business Alliance, and our purpose is to further educate FileMaker users and developers to encourage best practices and foster further adoption of the software.

MightyData will host the second webinar on November 10, 5 Important Techniques for Building a Solution in FMGo. Martha Zink will be the presenter. When you register, be sure to mention MightyData invited you.

FM Academy’s first event on September 23rd was presented by Anvil Dataworks, How to Create Dashboards with FileMaker for Improved Business Performance. The recording of that webinar will be posted on the FM Academy website once it is available.

The group plans to host free webinars at least 6 times per year. FM Academy members represent companies from all across the United States and include 360Works, MightyData, IT Solutions, Anvil Dataworks, Fiddlehead Software, Skeleton Key, and Kyo Logic.

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