What: Database software By: FileMaker, Inc. (an Apple subsidiary) Cost: $299 Download: www.filemaker.com FileMaker Pro is a powerful but easy-to-use database that was originally designed for the Mac. It comes with 30 starter database applications that can be customized with point-and-click ease. If you need to create your own application, a Layout and Report Assistant is there to guide you through the process. Most types of information can be imported into FileMaker, including Microsoft Excel files, digital images, and even movies. FileMaker integrates with Microsoft Office applications, allowing mail merges with Microsoft Word and mass e-mailings via Microsoft Outlook or Entourage. You can even provide occasional user access or information via the Web using FileMaker's one-click Web publishing feature. The figure shows three views of the application: a list view (left), a detail view of a company (center), and a detail view of a product, including images (right). Why I like it: FileMaker makes it possible for small businesses to set up databases without spending a fortune on programmers. |