[General]...by Matt Petrowsky
Learning from the Best
Highlighting the top FM files.
One of the things I hear the most from people that develop in FileMaker is that there is A LOT of junk out there. True, there are a lot of files that only seek to accomplish one task or another and pay no attention to detail. Interfaces look worse than road-kill. I mean let's face it. There are so many files out there and more than half of them just wouldn't make the grade.
So is this due to the developer of the file itself? Well, yes and no. Yes, because it's the developer of the file that must take pride in his/her own work to make it look polished and work smoothly. No, because often times we find that in areas where there is a medium to high learning curve, there is a lack of resource material from which to learn. So ignorance plays a big part.
Sometimes files are compiled from different people. Collaboration tends to cover more bases because of the different input that comes from multiple sources. However, when it is just yourself developing that killer FileMaker file it may seem tough to find those tricks or tips that you need in order to finish up with that polished look and smooth working inner structure.
Well, here are resources that you can use to learn from. Of all the files that I have seen in my FileMaker developing days I have come across a wide range of them. Not all of them compete on a level playing field. Some solve problems that I know little about. About one month ago ISO proposed that you send in your submissions for files to enter the ISO Hall of Fame. We received a couple from various sources but most were sought out by ourselves. I gathered a panel of top FileMaker developers and asked them to give me input on what they thought of the group of files that we had gathered.
Since we had no formal requirement for judging, I simply asked for their input and comments about the files. Hopefully in the future we will be able to break the Hall of Fame into commercial and shareware divisions. For now we have just found the best of the best out there. All of the files reviewed were done in FileMaker version 2.1. Look for FM 3 files next year.
The following list contains FileMaker files that we suggest you take a look at if you are aspiring to create top notch solutions that are respected and worth while to download. Since this is the first of this event, I specified no direct criteria for judging but gave general areas to cover when scrutinizing these files. These included data handling and structure, interface design and layout, functionality and the overall solution taken to solve the problem with FileMaker. Here are the files and a few comments about what was said about them.
NOTICE: All files mentioned in this review should be accessible on America Online or you can contact the author for finding their files. Some will exist on CompuServe and at Claris Web as well. Please search for them before contact me as to where to find them.
Audiofile 1.2
by Jason Fried of Spinfree Software
email = Spinfree7@aol.com
Problem solved: Tracking a CD collection
Category: Shareware
Cost: $20 US
There was almost a split decision about this file but it inched its way in. At first glance you would think that this sort of file should automatically make it into the hall of fame. It was agreed that the complexity of this type of database is not too great, therefore it is being included for it's nice layout and interface features. Here are some points mentioned about the database.
PROS:
-Good use of vertical tabs and repeating fields.
-Author thought of fields to track who CDs were lent to.
-Offered the ability to record a sound clip from a computer CD drive.
-Uses a resource file for custom graphics based on a menu selection.
-Comprehensive value lists.
-Extensive help included.
CONS:
-Icons of some actions are not intuitive.
-A bit aflicted by featureitus. (e.g. fields for storing scanned album covers.)
-Some buttons that were just text may be overlooked.
Contacts 2.0v3
by Jeff Gagne of Fine Arts Engraving Co.
email = jeff_gagne@fae.com
Problem solved: Personal Information Manager
Category: Shareware
Cost: $25 US
This file has been around for quite some time and has maintained it's level of quality for the long haul. The file has been included on many CD Roms and shipped with other products that use FileMaker for their hardware solutions. One example is a company that sells label printers and includes this database with it's product (or at least used to).
PROS:
-Very fluid and intuitive interface.
-Handles data well.
-Offers many various printing solutions.
-Very comprehensive manual and help files.
-Good implementation of the folder tab interface.
-Good layout of a Scripts menu
CONS:
-Uses icon buttons that don't always make sense as to what they might do.
-Contact log is limited to a certain number of entries.
LetterBase 1.0
by Chet Bottone of Pyramid Software Solutions
email = cbottone@aol.com
Problem solved: Manages Letters
Category: Shareware
Cost: $25 US
The main purpose of this file seemed to take on the task of managing all of the correspondence that is sent out to a group of contacts. It was pointed out by one of the reviewers that this type of solution would work well if tied to a daily planner, sales or marketing planner. The votes to get this one in were close but it too inched into the FM Hall of Fame. Reasons for this was the problem that it solved and the closely integrated interface to the task that the database accomplishes.
PROS:
-Easy-to-understand interface.
-Solves a well known problem with good efficiency
CONS:
-Pulling in a letter from the stored letters would better be served by a pulldown menu.
-Online help sections could use better navigation.
Mac Catalog Database
by Mark Simmons for ZD Net/Mac
URL = http://www.zdnet.com/~macuser
Problem solved: Display Macintosh Computer Information
Category: Freeware
The primary goal of this database is less solution oriented and focuses more on presenting information. This database is a good example of a "content based" database rather than a "solution based" database. Using a database as a tool does not mean only solving a data problem. You can use FileMaker to distribute and display information. There are many commercial organizations, such as Ziff-Davis and even the government, that use FileMaker to distribute their information.
PROS:
-Layout if very easy on the eyes.
-Presents information in a highly logical manner
-Database is left open so that you can make changes
(one reviewer wanted to view memory capacities, in a list view, of machines and was able to add it to the list view)
-There are nice Mac icons in picture fields that you can copy and paste
-Interface implements a very "soft" feel nicely
CONS:
-One reviewer pointed out that the interface could use more color
Planner 1.4
by Steve Murray
email = SteveM7994@aol.com
Problem solved: Appointment and To Do planner
Category: Shareware
Cost: $15 US
For a Flat-file version of a daily/weekly/monthly planner nothing tops this solution to a common problem. This file was the first of its kind in the way that it handled the problem. It got a unanimous invite into the Hall of Fame. This one is a definite must see!
PROS:
-Data is handled in a highly flexible manner
-Excellent, straightforward help sections
-Nice fluid interface
CONS:
-Monthly view is slow due to FileMaker, not the database.
-There is a limit of 5 showing events on any given day in Month View
Statistics Galore
by Vencenzo Menanno of Waves in Motion
email = waves@cam.org
web = http://www.gz.com/waves/
Problem solved: Statistics Analysis (Surveys & Questionnaires)
Category: Commercial
Cost: Varies
One of 1995's biggest FM solutions was this database. It took a somewhat simple problem of tracking responses of surveys/questionnaires and allows users to input the data and then view the breakdown. The trick here is that the database is a database that you the customer creates by filling out a request form and then sending in to Waves in Motion. At that point the FileMaker database that you will use to track the data is created automatically via a combination of AppleScript and a few other components that automate the process. The complex solution to this simple problem is handled beautifully. I was fortunate enough to see this solution at MacWorld and was astounded.
PROS:
-Layout is very straightforward and to the point
-Supporting databases are just as good as the main application
-Uses FileMaker in combination with other technologies
CONS:
-Interface is somewhat artsy and uses wavey type
In closing, at some point I will be placing some of these files onto the ISO web site. Some files, like the Mac Catalog, by Ziff-Davis will be referenced and can still be downloaded. I hope these files help you work with your own files and show you the potential that can be realized by using FileMaker Pro.
- END -