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Easy213, a Custom FileMaker WebDirect App for Disaster Response

Photo of two people assisting during a disaster response - wearing high visibility orange and yellow vests, labeled with their areas of Logistics and Supply.
Portage Bay has been working in the NIMS arena for over a decade, helping various clients with FileMaker applications for managing emergency response, primarily in spill situations. It's an interesting field, and I’m often learning new things that apply to other areas of our business. A couple of years ago, at the urging of one of our clients versed in the Incident Command System (ICS), we decided to write our own app for use during emergency responses, specifically to improve the resource ordering process. Read more
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Decision Time: Should You Upgrade to the Latest FileMaker Version?

Photo of a person jumping between two rock outcroppings, with a vibrant sunrise in the background.
In the realm of database management and application development, staying current with software advancements is more than a luxury. It's a necessity for maintaining a competitive edge and operational efficiency. Over the years, FileMaker, a cornerstone platform for developers and businesses, has evolved.  Here we will distill the essence of these changes, focusing on the leap from FileMaker 12 to FileMaker 2023, to aid in your decision-making process about upgrading. Read more
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Stick with FileMaker or Choose a FileMaker Alternative?

A tech-themed photo with a graphic overlay of a variety of question marks in circles.
What is it about the FileMaker Platform that keeps developers coming back when there are so many newer products around that may claim to offer a similar range of features, or better? Read more
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FM BetterForms: Creating a Modern Web Application with Your FileMaker Data

Logo for FM BetterForms, used for creating FileMaker web apps
We have been using 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 BetterForms! Read more
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Six Freebie Tips for Better FileMaker Development

Screenshot from layout mode in Claris FileMaker Pro, of the Open Quickly keyboard shortcut in use
As Claris FileMaker developers we all have an array of resources and techniques we turn to, to make development a little easier. Today I’m providing six more tips to help improve your FileMaker game.  Read more
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12 Valuable Ways to Modernize your FileMaker Database

When I meet people and tell them I build custom apps in FileMaker, the number of people who recall the platform from years and years ago with a nostalgic smile is impressive. Perhaps the loyalty FileMaker users have toward the platform is an important reason Claris FileMaker has thrived for so long. Along with PowerPoint and Microsoft Word, FileMaker stands with some of the few software applications nearing 40 years old. It has become a software platform that has stood the test of time. But in today's age, your FileMaker Pro database management system is no longer a stand-alone solution. It needs to become the hub to connect your existing business applications and integrate them with custom solutions in the cloud.

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