We have been using Klai (previously FM BetterForms) for several years to readily create modern, fully web standards-compliant applications for our clients. After attending the recent Claris Engage conference in Austin, Texas, our team has a new-found enthusiasm for building even more applications with Klai!
Your FileMaker app runs your business. Yet its potential may be untapped by your clients. Transform it into a polished, professional web app, unlocking the full potential of your data.
What is Klai?
Klai is a hosting and front-end development tool for your FileMaker database. It readily integrates with your existing FileMaker Server, whether on-premise or cloud-hosted (though it is currently not compatible with Claris Cloud), and provides a development interface for creating your web application. You’re able to expand the abilities of your app without needing to overhaul your foundational business logic.Â
On the back end, BetterForms solves the complex problem of reliably accessing your FileMaker data at scale. Nothing complex here; it just works.
On the front end, our web developers utilize time-saving tools like AI – which is a reality in FileMaker today – along with pre-built components and real-time deployments. BetterForms gives you, the developer, a substantial head-start on your overall application design. In fact, components are designed with responsiveness in mind so transitions from desktop to mobile are seamless.
How about authentication? BetterForms can support this step right out of the box coupled with URL hashing, username / password, web sign-up process, and even external OAuth providers.
Read a couple of our blog articles about our experience with OAuth integrations and transitions.
- How To Ensure Safe Automated Emailing In FileMaker With OAuth 2.0
- Turbocharge Your FileMaker Email Workflow with OAuth 2.0: Why It’s Time for an Upgrade
Another key point is that versioning is built into the design tools, and, if necessary, you can quickly roll back to the previous version of a design at the click of a button.
How Does FileMaker Data Get Integrated with the Web?
There are a variety of ways of integrating your FileMaker data with the web, each with ensuing advantages and disadvantages.
FileMaker WebDirect is innovative web technology that instantly runs FileMaker apps directly in a web browser – on desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone – with no web programming and no additional software required.
Claris
It is impossible to beat FileMaker WebDirect for some applications and we love utilizing it, but it is best suited to applications where the base of users is known since it does have its quirks – like the Back and Forward buttons not working in the browser.
For many applications, you don’t know who the users will be and you want the web application to behave as any typical web user would expect it to. This area is where Klai gives you exactly what you’re looking for, without the complexity and cost of a traditional full-stack web application.
Why Does Klai Matter to You?
Take a look at these elements from the Klai website and see how they highlight the unmatched power and flexibility of its implementation. Â
- Develop like a pro
- Experience scalable, high-performance solutions
- Maximize your FileMaker skills
- Build true multi-tenant apps
- Implement robust validation logic
- Enjoy a range of starter templates
- Customize your navigation and design
- Use a cross-platform and mobile responsive tool
- Implement full user authentication
We’ve Enjoyed Using Klai Across Several Projects
Rapidly growing specialty healthcare clinic
We created a complex series of forms for patient registration that is tightly integrated with the FileMaker back end to customize the path the user takes through the forms based on information in the FileMaker application.
Large Games Developer
BetterForms allows us to rapidly create an artwork approval process, external to FileMaker, which allows a user to click a button in FileMaker that, in turn, triggers an email to an external approver. Said email includes a URL that sends the approver to an Klai web application, where the approver sees the artwork and can approve, deny and add comments related to the artwork.
Startup COVID Response Project
Rapid development was essential for this project where we created a series of data acquisition forms for gathering data about COVID symptoms for an employer-managed screening process.
Unlock the Full Potential of your Data
In summary, Klai is an excellent tool for creating modern web applications from your FileMaker data, seamlessly integrating with your existing FileMaker infrastructure. Schedule a free 15-minute Zoom session with us, where we can discuss incorporating this solution into your workflow.
FAQ
Klai is a tool designed to help FileMaker developers create dynamic web applications using their existing FileMaker skills. It acts as a bridge between FileMaker solutions and web technologies.
To start with Klai, you’ll need a FileMaker Server and an active Klai account. Install the Klai application on your server and use the dashboard to manage your projects.
Klai is compatible with FileMaker 16 and later. It requires the use of FileMaker Data API to integrate your FileMaker database with the web app.
Key features include real-time data sync with FileMaker, customizable templates, and support for various web technologies, allowing for extensive customization and functionality in web apps.
Yes, Klai offers a trial version, allowing developers to test its features before committing to a subscription. Details can be found on their official website.
Klai uses SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission and allows for additional security measures like OAuth and Multi-Factor Authentication to secure the web apps.
About the Author
John Newhoff’s business background and years of database design, computer, and network configuration, and troubleshooting experience allow him to see beyond the immediate problem to the long-term solution. John is the business manager of Portage Bay and our lead 4th Dimension developer, creating sophisticated cross-platform solutions.