It’s time to upgrade!

If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to start thinking about upgrading your FileMaker system from earlier versions to FileMaker 14/15.

There comes a time when we either have to roll with the times or get left behind. The Server hardware and software that support the hosting of your system on the FileMaker 12 platform are nearing “end of life”. We are not immune from having to keep up with current technology in terms of hardware, operating system and application software. It means that at some point in the near future, those servers and that platform will need to be decommissioned and taken out of production.

If you are a client of ours with your FileMaker system hosted on a FileMaker 12 Server, then this is an early call to bring this to your attention and provide you with ample time to plan your migration. This will be scheduled to take place well before 23rd October, 2016.

We are here to help if you require our assistance in converting your files and happy to provide you with any additional information or advice that you may require. Please take time to read through the information provided below and we look forward to helping you migrate your system across to our FileMaker 14/15 Servers in the coming months.

Why upgrade to FileMaker 14/15?

FileMaker has announced that as of September 23, 2016, FileMaker 12 products will no longer be available for direct sales and support including technical support, replacement media, downgrade media, and downgrade license keys.

Furthermore, FileMaker Pro 12 and FileMaker Pro 12 Advanced are qualifying products for single license upgrades to FileMaker Pro 14/15 or FileMaker Pro 14/15 Advanced until September 23, 2016. If you have expired Volume Licenses, there is no upgrade path and you will need to purchase new licenses.

What you get with an upgrade to FileMaker 14.

Every organisation must make its own call about when to upgrade, but if you do decide to make the move now, here are some benefits you can expect from moving to FileMaker Pro 14/15:

  • Improved new user interface.
  • Improved reporting speed using the run script on server script step.
  • Improved security.
  • Document management capabilities.
  • Access from mobile and web platforms with WebDirect, even on mobile devices.
  • WebDirect performance improvements.
  • More control over how your solutions run & look on your iPhone & iPad.
  • Happier & more efficient developers.
  • Peace of mind that you are staying up to date and moving forward

These changes don’t come automatically to your solution, it takes work from your developer to implement these changes in your FileMaker Pro solution. Budget time and money to make these improvements a reality.

Converting & upgrading your file.

Upgrading an older FileMaker Pro file is a one-time operation that involves opening the file with FileMaker 14/15. Once a file has been converted from v12 to v14/15, it can no longer be opened in FileMaker 12.

What’s happens after we convert the file?

When that simple conversion has been done, there are a whole host of improvements that can be added by our developers to improve the interface look, speed up reports and improve security. Using ExecuteSQL, or running Scripts on the Server allow for some major speed gains and simplification of the database structure.

The improved document management capabilities open entire new categories of abilities for FileMaker Pro. Track waiver forms, signed contracts etc, by storing them as PDFs within FileMaker Pro. The server can be set up so that the documents are stored on a separate folder or drive, where they can be accessed by other applications if needed. Because the documents are no longer stored within the FileMaker Pro file, backups can be faster and the risk of data corruption minimised.

WebDirect and FileMaker Go allow the database to be deployed in a web browser or on an iPhone/iPad. For occasional users, allowing them access through a web browser can eliminate the need to install a copy of FileMaker Pro on their computer. Mobile users can benefit by getting access to the data while on the go.

Many of the new features of FileMaker are hidden in the background, where the developer can enjoy the benefits of a modern development environment. The developer can use elements like popovers, slide panels and conditionally hide objects to make a much cleaner and more familiar interface for users. Rollovers give users feedback on things like buttons, and give them an environment closer to what they are used to from web pages. Our FileMaker Developers love to use the latest tools. It can be painful to go back to old ways of doing things.

What’s new in FileMaker 14/15?

CSS-based Custom Themes – makes it easy to deploy custom themes throughout the solution.

WebDirect – deploys FileMaker layouts in a web browser. FileMaker is the easiest way to create a low volume data-driven web site. You can now use your mobile tablet to get the power of a FileMaker desktop solution delivered in a web browser on iOS and Android devices.

Improved Document storage – allows document storage outside of the main data file making it possible to build robust document management systems in FileMaker.

Improved Security – encrypt databases on the Server, during transmission to FileMaker clients and at rest on your local computer.

FileMaker Go – free iOS client allows for easy mobile access to data on iPads/iPods and iPhones. However, concurrent licenses may be required to be purchased.

Background Features – There are a whole host of new features that allow our developers to speed up reports and general actions in FileMaker Pro.

Developer Love – The new features are too numerous to mention, but highlights include the ability to hide objects conditionally, popovers, slide panels. These features give our FileMaker developers new tools to improve the interface of your solution, making your users more efficient. It also provides them with the tools to change, enhance or fix bugs in your system more efficiently – meaning lower development costs for you.

For more details about What’s New in the FileMaker 14/15 Platform, checkout: https://www.filemaker.com/products/

Compatibility and what you need to know…

FileMaker Pro 14/15 and FileMaker Pro 14/15 Advanced databases only work with FileMaker 14 and 15 software. Files from previous versions of FileMaker Pro must be converted to the new file format to be shared with FileMaker Pro 14/15 Pro 14/15 Advanced.

System Requirements

Solutions from FileMaker Pro 12 and earlier must be converted to the latest file format to be opened or shared with FileMaker Pro 14/15 and FileMaker Pro 14/15 Advanced.

Please note that OS X Mountain Lion 10.8 and OS X Lion 10.7 are no longer supported. Please update your operating system before upgrading to FileMaker Pro 14/15.

Operating System*

Windows 8.1 Standard Edition

Windows 8.1 Pro Edition

Windows 8 Standard Edition

Windows 8 Pro Edition

Windows 7 SP1 Ultimate, Professional, Home Premium*

OS X Yosemite v10.10

OS X Mavericks v10.9

*Version stated is the minimum requirement. FileMaker Pro may also work with later operating systems certified by FileMaker, Inc. Operating systems not listed in the table above have not been tested and are not supported.

Hardware RequirementsMinimum Requirements

Recommended Requirements

Windows
  • CPU:1 GHz or faster x86 or x64 processor
  • RAM: 1 GB
  • DVD drive for boxed product
  • CPU: 1 GHz or faster x86 or x64
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • DVD drive for boxed product
Mac
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • DVD drive for boxed product
  • RAM: 4 GB or more
  • DVD drive for boxed product

 

Networking

TCP/IP: each client requires a licensed copy of the software. FileMaker Pro 14/15 supports Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) addresses, as well as IPv4 addresses.

Any computer accessing FileMaker Pro files over a network will need to have a licensed installation of version 14/15 of FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced.

What’s Next?

Start thinking about migrating your system across to FileMaker 14/15 now. Check whether your computer hardware meets the minimum requirements for Windows or Mac and whether that hardware can run the operating system required to run FileMaker 14/15. The longer you put this off, the more it’s going to cost you down the track – when you have no choice but to upgrade.

If you require any assistance or advice regarding migrating your system across to FileMaker 14/15, then call us. We’re here to help.

Call: 02 9487 8066 or Email: info@filemakerstudio.com.au

2016©ADS|IJP|20160811_TimeToUpgrade