Customer Reviews
Filemaker Pro 7 
2004-04-24
I ran out an got this immediately when it was announced because I like to get the latest software and have been using Filemaker for over 10 years.
Now I want to go back to 6.
For some reason 7 is SLOWER than 6. All functions hang before executing from performing a find to changing between layout views there is a noticeable lag before the desired screen comes up and when you asked for it. Additionally once you perform the function you find yourself waiting. Especially performing finds I am noticing that it takes a while for the program to give me results. Since I use this function constantly that's a major pain in the ass. In 6 the delay between when I hit the find button and the results coming up was non existant. Performing finds in 6 on the same machine was lightning fast. In 7 it is not.
Since I use this function more than any other and because there is also an increase in wait times on many other functions in the program , like creating a new record, sorting and everything else, I would not reccomend this upgrade.
Ray
Close(r) - but still not worth the money 
2005-11-20
FileMaker Pro 7 (and it's new version 8) have one leg up on Microsoft Access: the are cross-platform. You can use FileMaker on Macs and PCs. Microsoft doesn't make an Access for Mac, either stand-alone or bundled with Office.
If you don't know how to use Access, if you don't know too much about relational database management systems, FileMaker is probably for you. It's much easier to use than Access. But if you have invested the time to learn Access enough to do the basics - create tables, complex queries, and forms, and to produce useful reports - stick with Access.
Switching to FileMaker means learning a whole new system, and once you do, you will not be any more productive than you already are.
This version is lightyears away from earlier versions 
2005-06-11
I'm a database professional, one of the few MySQL Certified Professionals in the country. I've been familiar with dBase, InfoFile, Clarion, Microsoft Access, FoxPro, Oracle, SQL Server and PostgreSQL, most since their earliest incarnations.
I've been tinkering with FileMaker since version 3 (1995). It never seemed much more than an oh-so-slightly souped-up version of the database in ClarisWorks/AppleWorks.
I've always evaluated FileMaker's time-limited downloads, but was never impressed.
But version 7 is a quantum leap, highly matured. If you want a replacement for the buggy and unstable Microsoft Access, here it is.
On a note, I bought a copy of FileMaker 7 on eBay. When I registered it, FileMaker told me that it was a pirated copy, which diminished my opinion of that online service.
I believe that if "a software is good enough to use, it's good enough to pay for". On a shoestring budget, I needed to find the best price, and it was here on Amazon.
Amazing 2004-08-03
The improvements made over version 6 are monumental! A must have for database users and users of previous versions! A+++++
Have been using for 2 months now. 2004-07-07
I have been using Filemaker 7 for Mac for 2 motnhs now. I am so happy with all the improvements they have made. Hands down this is the best database program (Mac or PC) ever made. A must buy!
Great software! 2004-07-07
This Filemaker is the best version yet! Highly recommended!
