| Anyone who's used FileMaker much will readily sing its praises. It's the most popular Macintosh database program, which explains why many folks assume it's a Mac-only program. In truth, it's also the second most popular stand-alone database program for Windows (Windows users account for 60 percent of the program's users). Anyone who hasn't used FileMaker may wonder what the fuss is all about. Three wordsclean, flexible, simpleexplain FileMaker's appeal: The interface: Unlike so many programs, FileMaker's interfacethe menus, buttons, windows, and steps required to get work donehas grown simpler, not more complex over time. This simplicity, and the resulting consistency that appears across the program, make it easy for you to focus on your work instead of puzzling over the program itself. Cross-platform consistency: FileMaker works so consistently on Windows and Macs that your databases can move with you as you, and those using your databases, switch between the two platforms (Figure 1.1). Figure 1.1. Windows or Mac: FileMaker works and looks almost identically on both operating systems.  Powerful yet simple: Heavy-duty database programs are super: super powerful, super hard to learn. FileMaker isn't. Unlike, say Microsoft Access, you won't waste a week (or more) just learning the program. FileMaker gives you a jump-start by including pre-built buttons and layouts such as invoices and mailing labels (Figure 1.2). Most importantly, FileMaker can help you solve most of your problems on your own. Even if your firm has its own Information Technology department, that staff is probably already overtaxed. With FileMaker, you won't need IT's help as oftenand when you do, they'll also save time using FileMaker's powerful behind-the-scenes features. Figure 1.2. FileMaker's prebuilt buttons and layouts give you a jump-start on creating what you need.  Plays well with others: Thanks to its ongoing adoption of such standards as XML (Extensible Markup Language), and PDF (Portable Document Format), FileMaker acts as a data hub for moving information not just between Windows and Mac machines but across mixed-platform networks, the Web, and even with digital cameras and PDAs.
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