The New FileMaker Technet Network & MySql Connectivity
Finally, it’s nice to see some progressive thinking coming out of FileMaker Inc. Yesterday, on May 1st, FM launched the FileMaker Technet Network which appears to be a scaled back, and broader-appeal version of the FileMaker Solutions Alliance. It’s refreshing as the FSA required a little more legwork to apply to and pass acceptance, as well as had a higher annual fee. The current membership is $99/year and grants access to pre-release software, a members-only online forum that FM engineers both monitor and participate in. I’ve contemplated the $249 and $499 versions of the FSA membership for a number of years, but I was happy to put down the $99 for FTN. The response may have been greater than FM Inc. expected as I’ve been billed and have order confirmation emails but not my membership info. FM support says there is a technical issue and they will resolve the issue soon enough. [[insert technical database-related joke aimed at FM here]]
Developers who join the network will also get to take part in limited tests of new FileMaker apps up to 30-days before the official release, and a range of FileMaker Pro Design Packs. The latter include ready-to-use graphics and pre-designed data templates to help members create better looking solutions faster.
In addition the FileMaker Business Alliance has been introduced for developers who are also resellers and bundlers of FM software with their own applications. Sounds promising, but membership is $499/year
FileMaker’s official announcement:
“The new FileMaker Technical Network is for FileMaker database beginners all the way to seasoned developers who want to enhance their FileMaker skills and learn the latest in FileMaker solution development,” said Ryan Rosenberg, vice president of marketing and services for FileMaker.
You can check it out at www.FileMaker.com/TechNet. I’ll post a deeper critique of the package for developers as soon as I can actually get access to the forums and software.
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Lastly, FM has also announced that they have joined the MySql Enterprise Connection Alliance to partner their software better with the MySql offerings. Hallelujah!! You can read more at http://www.mysql.com/news-and-events/press-release/release_2007_04.html
