FileMaker 16: Find Out What’s New
10 May 2017
For 2017, FileMaker inc. is serving up the latest version of its database software: FileMaker 16. While the previous edition aimed to improve the user experience (UX), the current one is more connectivity-oriented, introducing new functionalities for format, API and WebDirect. Learn more about the features and possibilities of this new version.
This is an experience that users are accustomed to on the Web and that will now be possible in FileMaker Pro. It's a safe bet that this function will replace various developer tricks like pop-up windows. This type of window will also have the advantage of allowing the reuse of the same layout for each call to the same form or list to allow a selection.
Fine-tuning of FileMaker Go
On Apple mobile devices equipped with FileMaker Go, this new version will introduce additional animations that will give it a look even closer to that native iOS applications.
The integration with iBeacon has also been revisited and now enables the detection of a beacon when FileMaker Go is in the foreground, without a user action. For example, if you operate many stores, FileMaker Go will be able to show you information based on your location whether it be an employees’ directory, tasklists or products in inventory.
The mobile version of FileMaker will also improve signature capture with the addition of a superimposed or embedded presentation option.
With several security enhancements and new tools for developers, FileMaker 16 will quickly become a must-have and will benefit both developers and users. By opening up to Web services while gaining in accessibility, this latest version allows you to create customized solutions and connect them to the world more than ever before.
If you have questions about FileMaker, do not hesitate to contact us! As a Platinum member of the FileMaker Business Alliance, GTI and its team of certified experts have an extensive expertise in developing and integrating FileMaker solutions and will suggest solutions tailored to your business needs and priorities.
JSON Format Integration
The first new addition is the integration of the JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format. Originating from the JavaScript language, it is quite common within APIs and allows exchange of structured data, for example for currency exchange rates or package tracking. JSON will allow interpretation of data from an API without using a plug-in and thus facilitate its integration on mobile platforms. Several other functions have also been included to allow text encryption.More Possibilities with API
Connection to OAuth 2.0 secured APIs will now be available within FileMaker, with the integration of a richer cURL library able to configure URL headers. For example, this type of authentication is useful for Web services integration such as those offered by Google, Dropbox, Amazon and many others. Speaking of API, FileMaker Server 16 will have its own RESTful API (representational state transfer). It will be possible for a database hosted on a FileMaker server and accessed by an account that has the extended privilege "fmrest", to receive a query by HTTP or HTTPS request and return the result in JSON format. To all interested parties, this API will initially be available as a trial version, which suggests possible modifications both in terms of functionality and pricing.New Features for FileMaker WebDirect
Printing and PDF generation will be available for WebDirect. This add-on will provide a similar experience to FileMaker Pro. From now on, if a print or PDF action is triggered from the browser, the PDF will be generated from the server side to ensure perfect rendering. Interesting to know, the engine has been completely rewritten to allow this shift.Cards: A New Window Type
A newcomer in the interface is also quite welcome: Cards. The new window type will provide the ability to create windows sized and placed on the main screen. By making sure that the dimension of this new window is smaller than the one from which it is called, it will be possible to darken the window below to emphasize a specific action, such as entering information in a form or selecting a value from a list.
This is an experience that users are accustomed to on the Web and that will now be possible in FileMaker Pro. It's a safe bet that this function will replace various developer tricks like pop-up windows. This type of window will also have the advantage of allowing the reuse of the same layout for each call to the same form or list to allow a selection.
Fine-tuning of FileMaker Go
On Apple mobile devices equipped with FileMaker Go, this new version will introduce additional animations that will give it a look even closer to that native iOS applications.
The integration with iBeacon has also been revisited and now enables the detection of a beacon when FileMaker Go is in the foreground, without a user action. For example, if you operate many stores, FileMaker Go will be able to show you information based on your location whether it be an employees’ directory, tasklists or products in inventory.
The mobile version of FileMaker will also improve signature capture with the addition of a superimposed or embedded presentation option.
With several security enhancements and new tools for developers, FileMaker 16 will quickly become a must-have and will benefit both developers and users. By opening up to Web services while gaining in accessibility, this latest version allows you to create customized solutions and connect them to the world more than ever before.
If you have questions about FileMaker, do not hesitate to contact us! As a Platinum member of the FileMaker Business Alliance, GTI and its team of certified experts have an extensive expertise in developing and integrating FileMaker solutions and will suggest solutions tailored to your business needs and priorities.
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