I'm trying to decide whether or not to start a major new FileMaker project now or later. If there's gonna be a new version in the next month or two, I'll wait. Anybody have any ideas about when we can expect FileMaker 7? Are you holding off development of new projects in anticipation of major changes?

I noticed something interesting when I searched for it on Google...

The summary for the Peninsula group said "Works with ANY version of FileMaker from 4.0 on, including, 5, 5.5, 6 and is already being prepared for compatibility with FileMaker 7!"

... but when I went to their web site the second part had been removed. Must not have grooved with FM's non disclosure policy.

Start the project.

Not only will you have to learn the ins and outs of any upgrade, but whatever you create will (almost) certainly work with the upgrade. It's ultra-low risk, and you're not wasting your time twiddling your thumbs.

Oh yeah -- the upgrade will also probably have enough bugs that you'll want to wait until the bug-fix is out before releasing anything in the new version.

Hi Jason,

I could tell you, but then I'd have to shoot you.

[color:"blue"] > The summary for the Peninsula group said "Works with ANY version of FileMaker

> from 4.0 on, including, 5, 5.5, 6 and is already being prepared for

> compatibility with FileMaker 7!"

I wouldn't delay a project based on a rumor, or an assumption such as this. FileMaker usually time's it releases to major events such as DevCon. But, beyond that, I wouldn't be concern about conversions of files to a new version, as FileMaker has always provided a way to move your files up words, and more than likely it will be like the change from v5 to v6 (i.e. able to open 5 and 6 files directly).

One thing you might want to consider is what FileMaker said with the release of v6, and that is that they were no longer developing for OS 9 or earlier. So, unless you are only developing for OS X and Windows, I sure wouldn't wait.

[color:"blue"] >

> ... but when I went to their web site the second part had been removed. Must

> not have grooved with FM's non disclosure policy.

If they have one, Oops - bet they are doing some fast talking now.

the upgrade will also probably have enough bugs that you'll want to wait until the bug-fix is out before releasing anything in the new version.

That's an excellent point I hadn't thought of. So true!

And if the past is prologue, it will be a big yawner like the last version.

What makes one person yawn is apt to wake others.

If what I hear is true, though, it isn't likely that the file format will be same for the next version as there is talk of support for different structures. Forward compatibility is likely but backward is not, I think.

The opening keynote for the FM Developers Conference on August 24 is entitled "The New Horizons of FileMaker". Hmmmm... so I guess that means then or shortly thereafter.