Which version?

May 29, 201115 yr

Newbies

I want to create a data base of political contacts and I need a reliable data base program to do that. I have a lot of experience with DataPerfect, but, since that can't run on my XP Pro system, I've looked for alternates. FileMaker keeps popping up (particularly version 8.0).

I need the advice of savvy users to decide how I should proceed.

I want to include state senators and representatives in my data base, with their respective districts. Their districts are distinct and contain counties and partial counties. I also need to include newspapers in all the counties, cities, and towns within the various districts, as well as local (county, city, town) political leaders, civic groups, business groups, e.g., chambers of commerce, churches, hospitals, etc., and all their respective leaders. When I look at the above, it seems daunting, but I know from my DataPerfect experience that it's not at all impossible.

Which version of Filemaker should I get? The data base will be on my office computer only. No one else will have access to it. I want to use it to generate e-mail campaigns, letter-writing campaigns, and all the other sorts of contacts that are part and parcel of the hurly-burly that is politics. Thanks for your advice and help.

May 29, 201115 yr

I strongly recommend version 11. As it does much more than version 8. Plus being on a the most current version you have the benefit of getting help by the community who work

day and night on the platform.. Yes there are many who still support v8 clients but if you can get the latest.

SD

May 31, 201115 yr

Agreed that FMPro 11 would work be the best choice. You don't need Advanced. If you are a school or non-profit look at obtaining a discount if you can prove either status (educational or 501©3). FMPro11 is available for $179.00 whereas Advanced will cost $299.00 with the discount.

I don't see any reason to obtain any earlier version as you will not save that much money. There are lots of pre-made free solutions (called Starter Solutions from FMP) which you could probably start with and tweak as you learn. Lynda.com is an excellent hands on source to learn FMP--and inexpensive for the quality you get. Highly recommended.