5.5 NEW features = WORTH THE MONEY

[David McKee (Protolight)]

This is a list I compiled a while ago, and does not include the new features in FMDeveloper. (I'll post a list about FMD new features in the FMD forum if there is interest.).

*I* think it is a very solid release, and the focus was very balanced:

Here's a list I made for the mailing lists. I think it shows that 5.5 is worth the upgrade price.

[apologies if the formatting gets nerfed]

========== FileMaker Pro (FMP) 5.5 Feature Summary ==========

Below is a helpful summary of what's new in FMP 5.5. This list is not all-inclusive, as it doesn't include features that were present in FMP 5.0, features overlooked by me, and some features for use with upcoming FM products (like FMS-server) which will be revealed/announced when the corresponding other product is released.

With each item is a simple reference phrase, followed with a short explaination of the feature refered to. This is sometimes followed with a short example by me, of the benefit of this change.

Categorization is based on my own personal criteria, as are all explainations. In addition, I marked each change based on what I personally think the audience was for each change:

[dev] = Developer oriented [is] = IS/IT Enterprise oriented [usr] = End-user oriented

As you'll note, the majority changes are developer oriented.

========== Major Changes==========

Record by Record Access!!! [dev] [is] Access to record data (Browse, Edit, and/or Delete) can now be controlled by a calculation. {This provides the ability to control access to data on a record-by-record-per-user basis. This does not filter out the fact that denied records exist.}

Execute SQL!: [dev] Lets the users execute

[Anatoli]

Excellent work, David!

Problem is probably with user that uses only 10% of FileMaker potential. Those 10% did not changed, so conclusion is that FM Inc is doing nothing at all.

But it is true; some people will gain little with upgrade.

[Moon]

I got my FMP 5.5 upgrade for $30 because I had recently bought Devloper 5. Worth every penny. And not a penny more. Your list is comprehensive, but it does not make the developer experience any more satisfying. As for FM Developer 5.5, its upgrade cost is simply outrageous.

Nice to have FMP 5.5 at the price I paid, but having used it extensively since its introduction I have to say save your money until the FileMaker folks do better, and at a better upgrade price. Unless you have a need for ALL the bells and whistles, which I do not.

[Moon]

One more thing.

FMP 5.5 does exactly zero for any of my clients. I have advised them to stick with 5.0, which they have done, saving beucoup bux with no adverse consequences.