MightyNews - May 2012
Hello FileMaker user,
Welcome to our May newsletter! Check out the latest articles and events from the MightyData team.
Upcoming Events:
We invite you to connect with us online: Blog, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
If you have feedback, please call (972-390-8600) or email us info@mightydata.com.
Susan Fennema
Dean of Success
 
Top 12 Benefits for Upgrading to FileMaker 12
by Darren Burgess
Now that the excitement surrounding the FileMaker 12
product line launch is beginning to wane, developers, users and business owners are faced with the issues surrounding the why, when and how of upgrading to the new version. This new version is the first in 8 years to implement a new file type – .FMP12. The complete FileMaker 12 product line is not backward compatible with previous versions. So, to put it bluntly, there is no going back once you upgrade your server and database to FileMaker 12, and your entire database environment (server, clients and mobile clients) has to be upgraded at the same time.
The good news is that this new version brings some dramatic new features that will surely drive value and make the challenges of upgrading your database environment well worth the effort and investment. Here is our take on the perennial top 10 list.
Continue reading
FileMaker Pro 12 Adds Native SQL Queries
by Anders Monsen
Probably one of the most talked about features in FileMaker Pro 12, at least from a developer perspective, is the new ExecuteSQL() calculation function. To users interacting with FileMaker records, this is largely a hidden feature. Yet this powerful new option impacts developers in several ways.
Previously, developers used plugins to expose the SQL underpinnings of FileMaker. Now, a portion of SQL has become native to FileMaker. This portion is limited to the “Select” statement. Those same plugins remain viable options for developers who seek to insert, update, or delete records.
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How to Tame Your Phone
(or at least prevent it from attacking your to-do list)
by Susan Fennema
Here’s the premise: your back is against the wall and you are fighting your way through the pressure of your lengthy to-do list. And, the PHONE WON’T STOP RINGING. How do you stay focused and not let the phone calls throw you out of the ring?
I have a few suggestions on how to handle these types of interruptions:
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Don’t answer it. Seriously. Turn off the ringer and let it go to voice mail. If it is important, they will leave a message. And, at least half the time, when you return the call, the issue will have resolved itself.
Continue reading
FileMaker Go 12 Enhancements
by Kirk Bowman
On Thursday, April 19, I had the privilege to present the new FileMaker Go 12 for iOS (iPhone and iPad). This was the fourth webinar in the 12 Days of FileMaker 12
series by FM Academy.
The first and most important new feature is that FileMaker Go 12 is now free. This is truly a game changer. Anyone with an iOS device can now give it a test drive. FileMaker Go 11 is still available as a paid app so there is more incentive to move to FileMaker 12.
Several features in FileMaker 12 make it easier to design screens for the iOS. There are sixteen starter solutions, each with layouts for iPhone and iPad. Four of these are installed by default with FileMaker Go 12: Assets, Contacts, Content Managements and Tasks. FileMaker Pro 12 has screen stencils with the specific dimensions of the iPhone and iPad in portrait and landscape mode.
Continue reading
UPDATE: Java 6 Update 31 and FileMaker Server
by Kirk Bowman
Last month I wrote an article on the Java 6 Update 31. At the time, it was not compatiable with FileMaker Server and was causing some issues with the admin console. Apple has released software updates to resolve the issue for Mac OS X. Also, FileMaker Inc. has updated its Knowledge Base article. Pay attention to the updates at the bottom of our post for the latest information.
The 12 Days of FileMaker 12
FM Academy, a collaboration of leading FileMaker development and training companies, is proud to announce the 12 Days of FileMaker 12 webinar series. Each Tuesday and Thursday during April and May the Academy will host a 60-minute webinar on a new feature of the FileMaker 12 product line.
The next webinar will be Design Surface Behavior Changes in FileMaker 12, Tuesday, May 1st at 1pm Central. The recordings of the first six webinars are now available online.
Register online
Upcoming FileMaker Events
Please mark your calendar for the following free events in May.
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The 12 Days of FileMaker 12 - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1pm CST
- May 1st, Design Behavior Changes
- May 3rd, Server File Management
- May 8th, New Calculations Functions
- May 10th, ExecuteSQL Function
- May 15th, Script Trigger Enhancements
- May 17th, Moving to FileMaker 12
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Webinar: Creating Subsummary Reports
Wednesday, May 9, 12pm CST
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Austin FMPug Meeting: Design Smackdown with Albert Harum-Alvarez
Thursday, May 10, 4pm CST
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Dallas FMPug Meeting: Developer Discussion: FileMaker 12
Friday, May 11, 11am CST
FileMaker 12 Product Line Is Available!
FileMaker Inc. (FMI) released the new FileMaker 12 product line. This release includes new versions of FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Server and FileMaker Go.
The most important thing to know is this version introduces a new file format (.fmp12 instead of .fp7). This means once you convert a database to FileMaker 12, you cannot go back to an earlier version.
If your FileMaker Maintenance is active, you should be receiving an email from FMI to download the new version. In the meantime, our advice is to learn about the new product line and carefully plan a transition to it. If you are not sure whether you have FileMaker Maintenance or have questions about moving to FileMaker 12, give Dave Weisiger a call at 972-390-8600 x103.
About MightyData
At MightyData, we’re all in. That means, everything we do, we do with a never-ending commitment to create value for our customers. Our relentless pursuit of what’s possible with technology gives us the power to help transform your business from respectable to remarkable. When it comes to delivering value, we pack a mighty punch.
©2012 MightyData, LLC. All rights reserved.
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