FileMaker Pro Version 5 Is Available, but Not Compatible with Previous Versions

Although the newest version (5.0) of FileMaker Pro has some useful new features, it also has a major drawback for Lab users, leading those who support the software here to recommend that employees not purchase the new version. The main problem is that the new version doesn't allow users to open or exchange files created using previous versions. That's especially confusing because versions 3.0, 4.0 and 4.1 of FileMaker Pro allowed seamless sharing of files, which all had the same format.

The new version began shipping in early October, but Ron Hall of the Information Applications Group, which supports web-based sharing of FileMaker Pro databases at the Lab, strongly encourages employees to stick with version 4.1 for the time being. "The 4.1 version is still available, has a lower price and is better suited to our environment," Hall said. "There's no compelling reason to upgrade now, but there are strong considerations for sticking with the earlier versions."

The issue at hand is the many FileMaker Pro databases created by the Lab's EH&S, Engineering, Facilities and Human Resources organizations and shared by authorized users around the Laboratory. If you use the 5.0 version, you won't be able to access those databases created under earlier versions. Conversely, if FileMaker Pro 5.0 is installed on the server/database side, it automatically converts the existing database to the version 5.0 format, which can't be read using previous versions. The software maker is discontinuing the 4.1 version.

"There are a number of issues up in the air regarding FileMaker Pro and until everything is sorted out, we're recommending that employees not buy the newest version," Hall said.