We run FileMaker on Macs where I work and we've been considering switching to OS X as our main operating system, our problem though is that FM for OS X is a disaster. It seems a bit incredible that some of the things we noticed first-hand seem ridiculously simple... (but then again, we're not programmers). Like not having toolbars on the client's end, or not being able to start the server automatically (which we definitely need since the server is unattended 98% of the time). Is there a scheduled update for OS X specific issues? Having a near-flawless product under OS 9, we find it appalling that it seems so crippled under OS X.

I certainly agree with everything you have said. We have refined operation of FM Server under OS 9 to a fine art using such accessories as Kick-Off, RamBunctious, Peek-a-Boo, and Timbuktu. It will probably be a long time before we have such utility under OS X. Unfortunately, more than just an update to FM will be required.

As a general rule, I can't say anything about updates due to NDA (non-disclosure agreements), if I know anything. You can do an internet search and probably turn up some information on the rumor sites.

-bd

I do not know about any further updates on 5.5 but 6.0 is just around the corner with limited information leaking out at Macintouch (some people saying the have received it) and at http://www.thinksecret.com/news/filemaker6.html and it should be released at MacWorld New York. Also some of the online retailers have it listed as coming soon.

Daniel

I'm certainly not privy to anything those jokers at FM do, but given the fact that 5.5 is fairly new and highly over-priced and pretty bug-ridden, I would doubt that they would spring yet another version on the FM community. It took them 18 months or so to go from 5.0 to 5.5, so I'd bet 'not yet', but I always stand ready to be amazed.

It's been announced this morning on Maccentral. Apparently the main additions are digital image importing (mac OS X only), XML importing and exporting. No word on whether it fixes some severe limitations in OS X version (no ODBC, no toolbar)