In a little over 3 weeks (on December 19, 2007 to be exact), FileMaker Inc. will officially discontinue the ill-fated FileMaker Mobile. This comes as no surprise to those of us who have used (or attempted to use) the product over the past few years. FM Mobile never did live up to the great expectations that many of us had for it. The prospect of having "anywhere, anytime" access to the data stored in our FileMaker databases was very appealing. But limitations with both the software itself and with the mobile devices that it ran on proved to be too inconvenient to make those dreams a reality.
So, where does that leave us now?
One solution is to develop Web-based applications that can be accessed over smart phones. For example, using FileMaker's custom Web publishing capabilities, it is possible to develop smart phone-friendly Web-based applications that act as front ends to FileMaker databases on the back end.
I've recently begun exploring this option using my iPhone and a Web-accessible database stored on one of our XServe machines. In a little under an hour, I was able to develop a simple Web application that serves up iPhone-friendly pages that we can use to access our company's shared contacts database.
Granted, this is a very basic application, consisting of a simple Web form and a form handler that processes search requests for contacts. But it works! Users can search for contacts by name or company name. The results come up quickly, are easy to read, and they are accurate. Best of all, the contacts that are returned in the list include both phone numbers and email addresses that serve as links -- so you can click on a contact's phone number, and the iPhone will prompt you to see if you'd like to dial that number. Similarly, clicking on an email address opens up the iPhone's mail application, with a new message pre-addressed to the contact.
Again, this is a very basic example of what you can do to build mobile applications for FileMaker. But imagine the possibilities! With a little work, we can finally achieve that goal of "anywhere, anytime" FileMaker access.
While experimenting with all of this, I came across the following sites and resources that proved to be very useful. If you're interested in developing for the iPhone, be sure to check these out:
• iPhone Dev Center -- Apple's own site that provides resources and tools for developing iPhone-friendly Web apps.
• Developing Web Applications for the iPhone -- A terrific article that explains the basics of iPhone Web development.
• Optimizing Your Website for Mobile Safari: Ensuring Your Website Works on the iPhone and iPod touch -- An eBook by August Trometer, a software developer at Indianapolis, Indiana-based Recursive Function.
• iPhoney -- A free iPhone web simulator for Web developers and designers. So you can see what your solution looks like on an iPhone, even if you don't have one yourself! Very cool!
I'm looking forward to continuing to experiment with and develop Web-based applications for the iPhone -- and even more excited about finally providing real-time, remote access to FileMaker. Check back here for additional info in the future, including tutorials, tips, and more.
-- Tim
FileMaker Addict Has Moved!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Jason Mundok
Consultant and Manager of Training
IT Solutions Consulting, Inc.
This week's interview is with Jason Mundok, a FileMaker consultant and manager of training services at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based IT Solutions Consulting, Inc. Jason is well known in the FileMaker community as an authority on "FMAgile -- a project management methodology designed specifically for FileMaker. Read on to learn more about Jason, FMAgile, and more...
How did you get started in IT?
I really don't know for sure! I guess I came in through the back door. I first became interested in computers during the mid-90s when I was looking for better ways to promote my bands. I started to play around with web sites and digital audio. By 2000I, I was recording music exclusively on PCs and had become very proficient using business applications at my office day job. In 2001, I became a technology trainer teaching how to use business applications, and from that point I continuously just learned as much as I could about technology.
How long have you been using FileMaker Pro, and how did you get started with it?
I started using FileMaker in 2000 at work. I was an administrative assistant in a regional agency for public school districts. My department coordinated workshops and special events for parents and I was responsible for organizing a conference for over 500 parents. I knew that I needed something to help me keep track of the sessions and attendees, but I didn't know what. A colleague in the technology department gave me a copy of an old FileMaker file that had been used for previous workshops, and that was pretty much all I needed.
It wasn't long before I was using FileMaker in some capacity for everything that I was doing. I attended a few in-house workshops and learned as much as I could from whatever sources I had available. I really enjoyed solving problems, and I found FileMaker to be an excellent tool.
Tell us about IT Solutions Consulting, Inc. and the work that you do there.
We're a full-service IT company that was founded in 1994 just outside of Philadelphia. We do Network Integration, Managed Services, and, of course, Application Development. Our development team is made up of six FileMaker developers and a few .NET developers. We're a FileMaker Business Alliance Platinum member, a FileMaker Authorized Trainer, a Microsoft Gold Partner, and members of the Apple Consultants Network.
The company has grown to 40+ full-time employees over the years and continues to grow each quarter. I joined the team in 2004 as a developer and helped get our FileMaker training program off the ground.
You are perhaps best known as an advocate of FMAgile (an Agile project management methodology created by IT Solutions for FileMaker development projects). Can you give us an executive overview of FMAgile?
FMAgile is our approach to developing FileMaker projects using a flavor of Agile that we've been sorting out for the past year and a half. It's similar to the Scrum approach, but we're using more generic terms because we've had to tweak parts of it to fit a typical FileMaker environment.
In a nutshell, Agile development values working software, interactions between team members and the acceptance of change over rigid processes, documentation and confrontational negotiations. Projects are broken down into small pieces and assigned to short iterations. During the iteration, requirements are gathered and development and testing occur for only the pieces assigned to that iteration. Then, the customer will review and accept each piece. These steps are repeated over and over throughout the project until all development is complete.
Since requirements are gathered "as you go" rather than up front during a requirements phase, they can be adjusted along the way. Projects can evolve as customers learn about the potential of the technology or as business processes change.
There are many fine details that help answer the questions that arise when throwing out a short description of Agile development. If you're interested, there are some great resources available on the web, some of which we link up to at www.fmagile.com, where you can also download a white paper or check out the blog posts.
The greatest benefit that I've seen over the past couple of years with Agile is the relationships that I've formed with our clients. The process is very transparent and collaborative, which leads to more open and honest interaction that ultimately builds trust.
You do both FileMaker consulting and training? Do you prefer one over the other? If so, why?
Yes, I'm a developer and a trainer. I really don't have a preference because I find the challenges of each to be very different. First of all, development is ongoing and I get satisfaction from completing a project that I have worked on over long stretches of time. Training happens less frequently and the feedback is immediate; I have one or two days to help a student move from point A to point B.
Sometimes we engage in projects where we train an in-house developer during the course of the project. We call it Tandem Development. I find this to be the best situation overall; it's like the best of both worlds.
What do you like best about your job?
I really enjoy the variety of projects and situations that we face as consultants. When I was in-house, there was one server on one network with one customer base. My experience was extremely limited. When I became a consultant my eyes were instantly opened to how vast the FileMaker world really is, in terms of the different ways people use the product and how far it can be stretched.
What do you like least about your job?
I find the pace of technological change to be a little too fast for my taste. I enjoy digging deeply into anything I do. New technology is introduced so quickly it seems that just when I'm getting into something, I'm distracted by the next great thing. It can be a bit mind blowing at times.
You presented FMAgile at this year's DevCon. What was it like to do that?
It was truly an awesome experience. I have been fortunate enough to really experience many different sides of DevCon over the years. I attended the first couple as a part-time, in-house developer. I wasn't even in the FSA back then, so I had a lot more free time at those events.
I actually interviewed for my job with IT Solutions at my third DevCon, so the following couple of years I attended as an FSA Partner/FBA Platinum member. This last year, which was my sixth, I was fortunate enough to be chosen as a speaker and we had a booth, so now I really have a feel for many of the different sides of the conference.
The actual presentation was a lot of fun. I've been in front of people my whole life as a musician, software trainer and goofball, but this was by far the largest audience to which I have presented a serious topic. It's much different to stand solo in front of 400 people and give a 60-minute talk than to play music or do a workshop for a small class. You have to be on your game the whole time, with no instruments or band mates to hide behind!
The topic was "Agile Development in a FileMaker Environment" and I'm very passionate about the use of these methodologies, so it certainly wasn't hard to get excited about presenting. I really hope to be able to do it again and I'm very grateful for the opportunity.
What did you think of DevCon 2007? And are you planning to attend DevCon 2008?
I thought the conference was excellent. I was really busy this year, as I mentioned above, which made it difficult to see many of the sessions. The ones I did get to sneak in to were great. I think I did more networking this year than previously, but then again, the more you attend, the more people you get to know. The social side of the conference can be just as fulfilling as the sessions.
Yes, I definitely plan to go to the 2008 conference. I really enjoyed the years in Phoenix and I'm looking forward to getting back out there.
What are your favorite new features of FileMaker 9?
It's not usually a headline feature, but I have loved the Append To PDF options in ScriptMaker. My main project over the past year just so happened to have a tremendous need for compiling a single report from many different sources, which had worked fine when sending reports to printers. As we all know, electronic distribution is becoming a preferred method of sharing reports, and the ability to be able to build large comprehensive reports in a single PDF has been huge for me.
If you could add a few new features to FileMaker, what would they be?
Wow, what a question! Man, I could spend some time with this one. It's not that I think anything is wrong with the product, but when you spend as much time with it as we all do, one can't help but dream a little!
I guess my main feature request would be the organizational stuff, like the ability to group layouts and value lists in the same way that we can now group scripts. That has been a tremendous help with some of my larger projects. I would also love to be able to copy custom functions and value lists.
This one is a bit more out there, but I think it would be great to have a way for users to quickly store complex finds within FileMaker itself. I get a lot of questions about this during training classes. We'll go through these exercises about performing long multiple request finds and I'll mention the "Modify Last Find" option and inevitably someone asks, "Can I save these somewhere?" In many cases, these are end users and I don't want to open the "ScriptMaker can of worms," so it would be great to be able to point them to the "Find Saver" (or whatever!) and say, "You sure can!"
What's your favorite tool, plugin, or technique for developing FileMaker databases?
I'd have to say that my absolute favorite tool is SMTPit Pro, the email plug-in from CNS. I just love it! (I know, I knowone shouldn't get that excited about a plug-in, but...) I think I've used it in every solution I have developed with IT Solutions and I can't get enough of it. It's very easy to implement and the functionality that it brings to the table is extremely valuable. I've been drinking the SMTPit Kool Aid for years.
You're a FileMaker 8 Certified Developer. Has the certification helped you? If so, how?
Yeah, it definitely adds credibility. One can argue that someone could get certified and still not be a great (or even good) developer, but at least you can prove that you have a certain amount of base knowledge about the product.
It certainly helps our company when we're bidding on projects to be able to say we have x-number of certified developers on staff. And, of course, when we're interviewing candidates, we will definitely take certification into consideration. We require everyone we hire to get certified within a certain amount of time after their start date.
Are you planning on getting certified on FileMaker 9?
Yes. I think it's important to keep up with any certifications offered in one's industry.
What advice would you give to someone that is just starting to do FileMaker development?
Always keep an open mind. FileMaker developers often become developers by taking a personal interest in trying to solve a problem. They learn skills through trial and error and through figuring things out on their own, which is great. But, I often have people come to an intermediate or advanced training who really don't have the fundamentals down. There are ten ways to do anything, nine of which may be better, faster, or cheaper than your way. If you're open to other ways of doing things, you'll end up a very well-rounded developer.
There are relatively few FileMaker developers in the world, so we have to stick together. Join a developer/user group, post to the message boards, and get involved with whatever FileMaker community you have in your area. If there isn't one, start one.
What significant changes have you seen take place in the FileMaker world over the years?
There was the obvious change from FileMaker 6 to FileMaker 7, which was technically huge. And, of course there's ESS now, which will definitely help FileMaker become accepted by more IT departments.
But on a less technical note, I think a very significant change has been the rise in professionalism within the FileMaker development community and therefore, the rise in respect for FileMaker developers, consultants and trainers. We now have certification, an incredibly rich FileMaker Training Series, a united front for international user groups with FMPug, a much-improved FileMaker Business Alliance and a seriously robust product line that we all can be very proud to represent out in the marketplace.
You're the president of the Philadelphia FileMaker Developer Group. How has being involved in the group benefited you? What challenges are you facing as the group's president?
I'm actually coordinating the Philly group and the Central PA FMPug chapter right now! The Central PA group serves Harrisburg, Lancaster, York and Reading, which are all within an hour of each other.
Working with user groups has been an incredible experience. I've made so many great connections with so many great people, it's difficult to even quantify. Some of those connections have turned into clients, some into employees and many into great friends. When I first started using FileMaker, I loved it but didn't really have many folks around to share the love! When you attend a user group, you realize that you're not alone in your insanity.
I think the biggest challenge in running a group is finding content each month. Planning and facilitating the meetings is no problem, but trying to figure out what topics the various members (with their various skill sets) will benefit from can be tricky.
What technology has most changed your life?
I think high-speed Internet access has caused the most significant change for me. I have been primarily working out of my house for about three years and it has been a wonderful experience. That simply couldn't have happened seven or eight years ago. With high-speed Internet and remote desktop technology, I can be simultaneously logged in to multiple client locations and the home office from anywhere in the world. It has certainly helped us become much more responsive as a company and has kept projects moving when they otherwise would have been delayed.
What are your favorite things to do that don't involve work?
I'm a musician and a family man. Over the past couple of years I formed a band with a core group of friends who all have young kids. So, we spend a lot of time playing house parties and family-friendly venues where the whole gang can come out and be a part of it.
I also have a pretty cool recording studio in my house where I spend a lot of time writing music, recording with the band and recording other local musicians. It's enough to keep me very busy, and very creative.
What inspires you?
I'm driven by the completion of projects, whether they are professional or personal. I like to follow ideas through to a culmination of planning, design, creation and ultimately completion. I've learned over the years to be patient and build things over time. I find projects can be even more rewarding if they are paced well and care is put into each step rather than rushing to try and beat the clock.
What's next for you?
As far as I know, it will be more of the sameand that's a good thing!
Thanks, Jason!
To learn more about Jason and FMAgile, visit Jason's FMAgile blog, located at http://www.fmagile.com/. And to learn more about T Solutions Consulting, Inc., visit their Web site, located at http://www.itsolutions-inc.com/.
How did you get started in IT?
I really don't know for sure! I guess I came in through the back door. I first became interested in computers during the mid-90s when I was looking for better ways to promote my bands. I started to play around with web sites and digital audio. By 2000I, I was recording music exclusively on PCs and had become very proficient using business applications at my office day job. In 2001, I became a technology trainer teaching how to use business applications, and from that point I continuously just learned as much as I could about technology.
How long have you been using FileMaker Pro, and how did you get started with it?
I started using FileMaker in 2000 at work. I was an administrative assistant in a regional agency for public school districts. My department coordinated workshops and special events for parents and I was responsible for organizing a conference for over 500 parents. I knew that I needed something to help me keep track of the sessions and attendees, but I didn't know what. A colleague in the technology department gave me a copy of an old FileMaker file that had been used for previous workshops, and that was pretty much all I needed.
It wasn't long before I was using FileMaker in some capacity for everything that I was doing. I attended a few in-house workshops and learned as much as I could from whatever sources I had available. I really enjoyed solving problems, and I found FileMaker to be an excellent tool.
Tell us about IT Solutions Consulting, Inc. and the work that you do there.
We're a full-service IT company that was founded in 1994 just outside of Philadelphia. We do Network Integration, Managed Services, and, of course, Application Development. Our development team is made up of six FileMaker developers and a few .NET developers. We're a FileMaker Business Alliance Platinum member, a FileMaker Authorized Trainer, a Microsoft Gold Partner, and members of the Apple Consultants Network.
The company has grown to 40+ full-time employees over the years and continues to grow each quarter. I joined the team in 2004 as a developer and helped get our FileMaker training program off the ground.
You are perhaps best known as an advocate of FMAgile (an Agile project management methodology created by IT Solutions for FileMaker development projects). Can you give us an executive overview of FMAgile?
FMAgile is our approach to developing FileMaker projects using a flavor of Agile that we've been sorting out for the past year and a half. It's similar to the Scrum approach, but we're using more generic terms because we've had to tweak parts of it to fit a typical FileMaker environment.
In a nutshell, Agile development values working software, interactions between team members and the acceptance of change over rigid processes, documentation and confrontational negotiations. Projects are broken down into small pieces and assigned to short iterations. During the iteration, requirements are gathered and development and testing occur for only the pieces assigned to that iteration. Then, the customer will review and accept each piece. These steps are repeated over and over throughout the project until all development is complete.
Since requirements are gathered "as you go" rather than up front during a requirements phase, they can be adjusted along the way. Projects can evolve as customers learn about the potential of the technology or as business processes change.
There are many fine details that help answer the questions that arise when throwing out a short description of Agile development. If you're interested, there are some great resources available on the web, some of which we link up to at www.fmagile.com, where you can also download a white paper or check out the blog posts.
The greatest benefit that I've seen over the past couple of years with Agile is the relationships that I've formed with our clients. The process is very transparent and collaborative, which leads to more open and honest interaction that ultimately builds trust.
You do both FileMaker consulting and training? Do you prefer one over the other? If so, why?
Yes, I'm a developer and a trainer. I really don't have a preference because I find the challenges of each to be very different. First of all, development is ongoing and I get satisfaction from completing a project that I have worked on over long stretches of time. Training happens less frequently and the feedback is immediate; I have one or two days to help a student move from point A to point B.
Sometimes we engage in projects where we train an in-house developer during the course of the project. We call it Tandem Development. I find this to be the best situation overall; it's like the best of both worlds.
What do you like best about your job?
I really enjoy the variety of projects and situations that we face as consultants. When I was in-house, there was one server on one network with one customer base. My experience was extremely limited. When I became a consultant my eyes were instantly opened to how vast the FileMaker world really is, in terms of the different ways people use the product and how far it can be stretched.
What do you like least about your job?
I find the pace of technological change to be a little too fast for my taste. I enjoy digging deeply into anything I do. New technology is introduced so quickly it seems that just when I'm getting into something, I'm distracted by the next great thing. It can be a bit mind blowing at times.
You presented FMAgile at this year's DevCon. What was it like to do that?
It was truly an awesome experience. I have been fortunate enough to really experience many different sides of DevCon over the years. I attended the first couple as a part-time, in-house developer. I wasn't even in the FSA back then, so I had a lot more free time at those events.
I actually interviewed for my job with IT Solutions at my third DevCon, so the following couple of years I attended as an FSA Partner/FBA Platinum member. This last year, which was my sixth, I was fortunate enough to be chosen as a speaker and we had a booth, so now I really have a feel for many of the different sides of the conference.
The actual presentation was a lot of fun. I've been in front of people my whole life as a musician, software trainer and goofball, but this was by far the largest audience to which I have presented a serious topic. It's much different to stand solo in front of 400 people and give a 60-minute talk than to play music or do a workshop for a small class. You have to be on your game the whole time, with no instruments or band mates to hide behind!
The topic was "Agile Development in a FileMaker Environment" and I'm very passionate about the use of these methodologies, so it certainly wasn't hard to get excited about presenting. I really hope to be able to do it again and I'm very grateful for the opportunity.
What did you think of DevCon 2007? And are you planning to attend DevCon 2008?
I thought the conference was excellent. I was really busy this year, as I mentioned above, which made it difficult to see many of the sessions. The ones I did get to sneak in to were great. I think I did more networking this year than previously, but then again, the more you attend, the more people you get to know. The social side of the conference can be just as fulfilling as the sessions.
Yes, I definitely plan to go to the 2008 conference. I really enjoyed the years in Phoenix and I'm looking forward to getting back out there.
What are your favorite new features of FileMaker 9?
It's not usually a headline feature, but I have loved the Append To PDF options in ScriptMaker. My main project over the past year just so happened to have a tremendous need for compiling a single report from many different sources, which had worked fine when sending reports to printers. As we all know, electronic distribution is becoming a preferred method of sharing reports, and the ability to be able to build large comprehensive reports in a single PDF has been huge for me.
If you could add a few new features to FileMaker, what would they be?
Wow, what a question! Man, I could spend some time with this one. It's not that I think anything is wrong with the product, but when you spend as much time with it as we all do, one can't help but dream a little!
I guess my main feature request would be the organizational stuff, like the ability to group layouts and value lists in the same way that we can now group scripts. That has been a tremendous help with some of my larger projects. I would also love to be able to copy custom functions and value lists.
This one is a bit more out there, but I think it would be great to have a way for users to quickly store complex finds within FileMaker itself. I get a lot of questions about this during training classes. We'll go through these exercises about performing long multiple request finds and I'll mention the "Modify Last Find" option and inevitably someone asks, "Can I save these somewhere?" In many cases, these are end users and I don't want to open the "ScriptMaker can of worms," so it would be great to be able to point them to the "Find Saver" (or whatever!) and say, "You sure can!"
What's your favorite tool, plugin, or technique for developing FileMaker databases?
I'd have to say that my absolute favorite tool is SMTPit Pro, the email plug-in from CNS. I just love it! (I know, I knowone shouldn't get that excited about a plug-in, but...) I think I've used it in every solution I have developed with IT Solutions and I can't get enough of it. It's very easy to implement and the functionality that it brings to the table is extremely valuable. I've been drinking the SMTPit Kool Aid for years.
You're a FileMaker 8 Certified Developer. Has the certification helped you? If so, how?
Yeah, it definitely adds credibility. One can argue that someone could get certified and still not be a great (or even good) developer, but at least you can prove that you have a certain amount of base knowledge about the product.
It certainly helps our company when we're bidding on projects to be able to say we have x-number of certified developers on staff. And, of course, when we're interviewing candidates, we will definitely take certification into consideration. We require everyone we hire to get certified within a certain amount of time after their start date.
Are you planning on getting certified on FileMaker 9?
Yes. I think it's important to keep up with any certifications offered in one's industry.
What advice would you give to someone that is just starting to do FileMaker development?
Always keep an open mind. FileMaker developers often become developers by taking a personal interest in trying to solve a problem. They learn skills through trial and error and through figuring things out on their own, which is great. But, I often have people come to an intermediate or advanced training who really don't have the fundamentals down. There are ten ways to do anything, nine of which may be better, faster, or cheaper than your way. If you're open to other ways of doing things, you'll end up a very well-rounded developer.
There are relatively few FileMaker developers in the world, so we have to stick together. Join a developer/user group, post to the message boards, and get involved with whatever FileMaker community you have in your area. If there isn't one, start one.
What significant changes have you seen take place in the FileMaker world over the years?
There was the obvious change from FileMaker 6 to FileMaker 7, which was technically huge. And, of course there's ESS now, which will definitely help FileMaker become accepted by more IT departments.
But on a less technical note, I think a very significant change has been the rise in professionalism within the FileMaker development community and therefore, the rise in respect for FileMaker developers, consultants and trainers. We now have certification, an incredibly rich FileMaker Training Series, a united front for international user groups with FMPug, a much-improved FileMaker Business Alliance and a seriously robust product line that we all can be very proud to represent out in the marketplace.
You're the president of the Philadelphia FileMaker Developer Group. How has being involved in the group benefited you? What challenges are you facing as the group's president?
I'm actually coordinating the Philly group and the Central PA FMPug chapter right now! The Central PA group serves Harrisburg, Lancaster, York and Reading, which are all within an hour of each other.
Working with user groups has been an incredible experience. I've made so many great connections with so many great people, it's difficult to even quantify. Some of those connections have turned into clients, some into employees and many into great friends. When I first started using FileMaker, I loved it but didn't really have many folks around to share the love! When you attend a user group, you realize that you're not alone in your insanity.
I think the biggest challenge in running a group is finding content each month. Planning and facilitating the meetings is no problem, but trying to figure out what topics the various members (with their various skill sets) will benefit from can be tricky.
What technology has most changed your life?
I think high-speed Internet access has caused the most significant change for me. I have been primarily working out of my house for about three years and it has been a wonderful experience. That simply couldn't have happened seven or eight years ago. With high-speed Internet and remote desktop technology, I can be simultaneously logged in to multiple client locations and the home office from anywhere in the world. It has certainly helped us become much more responsive as a company and has kept projects moving when they otherwise would have been delayed.
What are your favorite things to do that don't involve work?
I'm a musician and a family man. Over the past couple of years I formed a band with a core group of friends who all have young kids. So, we spend a lot of time playing house parties and family-friendly venues where the whole gang can come out and be a part of it.
I also have a pretty cool recording studio in my house where I spend a lot of time writing music, recording with the band and recording other local musicians. It's enough to keep me very busy, and very creative.
What inspires you?
I'm driven by the completion of projects, whether they are professional or personal. I like to follow ideas through to a culmination of planning, design, creation and ultimately completion. I've learned over the years to be patient and build things over time. I find projects can be even more rewarding if they are paced well and care is put into each step rather than rushing to try and beat the clock.
What's next for you?
As far as I know, it will be more of the sameand that's a good thing!
Thanks, Jason!
To learn more about Jason and FMAgile, visit Jason's FMAgile blog, located at http://www.fmagile.com/. And to learn more about T Solutions Consulting, Inc., visit their Web site, located at http://www.itsolutions-inc.com/.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Timothy Trimble
Founder
Data Design Labs
This week's interview is with Timothy Trimble, the founder of Mukilteo, Washington-based Data Design Labs, which specializes in the design and development of custom and commercial software solutions using FileMaker Pro. Tim is also the author of several books, including the popular FileMaker Pro Design & Scripting for Dummies. Read on to learn more about Tim, his company, and more!
How did you get started in IT?
As a self taught video game programmer, I quickly discovered that if I continued to write assembly language into the wee hours of the mornings that I would be scarred for life! So, I packed up the family and moved to California. My first "real" computer job was with Columbia Pictures, in the IT Department, when they only had one IBM PC. After two and a half years I was supporting several hundred computers and writing dBASE II applications.
How long have you been using FileMaker Pro, and how did you get started with it?
I was running a PDA software development company and some friends of mine had a business developing dispatching applications with FileMaker. Since I had done some stuff with Java, they asked me if I would build a web interface using JDBC. Thanks to Kinko's and Starbucks, I managed to build a prototype while on a business trip in Boston. (So much for avoiding all nighter code sessions.) That was with FileMaker 5.0.
While I knew that FileMaker had a big following, I wasn't personally impressed and thought that it was just too basic. Keep in mind, I was pretty busy writing applications with VB, C, and SQL at the time.
We shut down the PDA company a year after 9/11 and I hit the consulting market. A good friend of mine wanted to know if I would write a FileMaker 7 application for a client of his. I decided to take and look and I was blown away! I was impressed with the relational capabilities and the ability to quickly do sophisticated things. The timing was good! I was burned out on the hassles of developing in VB, and all the hoops you had to jump through with Java. I was having fun again and it was all because of the FileMaker environment and its capabilities.
Tell us about your company, Data Design Labs.
We have several goals for DDL:
1) To show businesses how sophisticated and mature FileMaker has become – as a custom application development environment. For example: We're currently developing a very sophisticated Courier Management system with route mapping, php web interfacing, and email dispatching to couriers via smart phones. This customer came to us with a request for a solution without dictating what technology was to be used. We proposed the solution based on FileMaker (of course). It's been a year long project that we'll be implementing later this year.
2) To be the launching pad for consumer and developer products based on FileMaker. Our first is the "IGotIssues" Issue Tracking System.
You and your son, Samuel, have done some interesting development on the BlackBerry and Palm OS platforms. What can you tell us about that? And do you have any plans on doing development on the iPhone?
We've had a great time with the PDA devices. I originally started PDA development with the Apple Newton. Then I was an early adopter of the Palm device. My focus has been on extending access to centralized data with these devices.
Sam has done some amazing stuff with real-time mapping, GPS, and integration with CRM applications. We both worked on a major project for TierraVision, Inc., on a address mapping application. Sam worked on the Palm and I worked on the Blackberry, and there were some other developers involved from TierraVision as well. As a result, we won the 2006 North American Grand Prize award at the Navteq Global LBS Challenge, sponsored by Nokia.
We're frothing at the mouth waiting for the iPhone SDK! The iPod Touch and the iPhone are targets for us since they be a great vertical market devices for business applications that require both "real time" and "occasionally connected" access to centralized data. I feel that there's a huge need for integration of FileMaker with hand-held devices. I hope that we can help fill a need there with these devices.
What is it like working with your son?
It's been a great pleasure working with Sam. Ever since he was little, he has been attracted to computers. When he was 15 he started asking me about how to write programs. Not knowing how serious he was about it, I didn't pushed him into it. I gave him some books. Several weeks after that he blew me away with what he accomplished. That was almost 10 years ago. He can code circles around me! Especially in Flash development.
In addition to the development work that you do, you're also a very busy author. How do you find time to juggle your writing career and manage the day-to-day operations of Data Design Labs?
I've always had a passion for writing. I've been doing it so long (since my Ashton-Tate days) that when I sit down to write the words just flow. The biggest challenge is setting the time aside to do it. (Again, the late night/early morning hours.)
You've done development work for a very impressive list of clients, including Volvo, WhirlPool, and many more. What's the most exciting and/or challenging project that you've had a chance to work on?
In my pre-FileMaker days, that would be the project we did for Whirlpool. It was a VB, FormLogic, and Oracle SQL project called "RoadRunner". The system provided the ability to assign truck drivers, trucks, and products to a route. The route would be downloaded to hand-held (Newtons) and the drivers would then do their deliveries. Proof of Delivery and Exceptions would be recorded on the hand-held and then uploaded back to Oracle at the end of the day. It was deployed to 30 locations across the US with 30 PC's and 600 hand-helds, all talking to a centralized SQL database.
In FileMaker, the most challenging thus far was the project that I worked on was through Soliant Consulting for a major computer manufacturer. I can't really go into details (I would have to shoot all your readers), but I will say that the database design was one of the most complex I had ever worked on. One of the modules I developed for it was a very sophisticated boolean search facility that required extensive amounts of RedBull to complete.
You mentioned "IGotIssues" earlier. Tell us a little about the product. Are there any unique challenges that you've faced in releasing an "off the shelf" application like this?
IGotIssues actually began as an in-house database for keeping track of issues, bugs, and requests related to the various FileMaker projects. Since all FileMaker developers have to have some way of keeping track of their "to dos" for their projects, we felt it would be a great product to introduce as a DDL product. The challenge with any product release is in making sure that we have the infrastructure in place for supporting it once it's out the door, and in keeping it fresh with new features and enhancements.
In doing my research for this interview, one of the things that struck me is your extensive background in programming, and also the work you've done in documenting the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology and applying it to FileMaker development. Two questions for you...
With such an extensive technical background, do you find it frustrating at times to work within the constraints of the FileMaker environment?
Ah, my topic of passion...
Actually, my frustration is not with the constraints of FileMaker. I enjoy pushing the envelope with FileMaker and molding it to our clients needs. While there may be constraints, there are also ways around those constraints. We wouldn't be good programmers if we were not creative, yes?
However, my frustration is with the mind set created by earlier versions of FileMaker. Not just with the user community but also with FileMaker developers. In the business community, if you mention FileMaker, they still think of a quick and dirty, flat file, limited database. It's a big challenge getting around this perception. In the developer community, there is a lot of "old school" mentality in designing and developing applications based on the way FileMaker used to force you to do things. Such as extensive lookups, etc. As FileMaker grows, it's our responsibility as developers to learn the new ways of doing things, to take advantage of the true power in the product.
What unique challenges do you think FileMaker developers face that make applying the SDLC methodology to difficult?
Again, the challenge is in turning off the "FileMaker doesn't work that way" mentality. Rapid prototyping is nice, but you have to wrap your arms around the "big picture" of a project. It takes time to scope out a project, define the true requirements, determine what the business rules are, and then put together specifications. Most developers are very hesitant about doing this. The natural desire is to just sit down and start developing.
If you asked a building contractor to build a house, then he showed up without plans and just started nailing a frame together you would fire him on the spot! A well implemented solution is one that has been carefully thought through, planned, blueprinted, and approved – before the actual coding begins. Then you build according to the plan. Of course, there are going to be changes during the process, but at least you have a process for managing those changes, and thus managing the expectations of the customer.
On your blog, you recently wrote, "Ever since version 7, FileMaker has become more of a serious software application development tool." With all of the changes that FileMaker has been through over the past few years, what has the impact been in terms of managing FileMaker projects?
As with any "serious" application development tool, to become a good developer, you have to learn all the capabilities of the tool. It's very easy to slap together some layouts, add some calculations, and be on your way. But to really harness the power of FileMaker, you're going to have to become a good script programmer. And again, you need to map out the target functionality and requirements. This requires time, resources, and diligence. These things need to be considered when pricing projects and determining the time frames for deliverables.
Also on your blog, you wrote about the possibility of using FileMaker as a front-end to a SQL-based backend. That's something that I've been experimenting with myself, and I've had a lot of luck with it. Do you think that FMI's position that FileMaker is not to be considered as a SQL client development tool is something that will eventually change?
I hope it changes. However, in order for it to change, FMI will need to improve the performance of the SQL interface. Until then, we have great tools for doing PHP (FMStudio). Just because PHP is intended for web based interfaces, doesn't mean that you can't also use it as a client based interface within FileMaker itself (via the web control).
You worked at Ashton-Tate back when dBase IV was popular. Did you ever imagine that the relational database world would change as quickly as it has? What changes have you seen that excite you the most?
In the final days of Ashton-Tate, SQL was just starting to be accepted as a standard for DBM (database management). I am impressed with how that standard has progressed through the years. As the world has become more connected via the use of smart devices, I am most excited about the prospects of being able to access your data from anywhere at any time. Not just static data, but constantly changing data. Just within a family (for example), being able to keep in touch with one another, share schedules, pictures, music, video – regardless of where you are or what type of device you're using. We still have a long way to go before we no longer have to worry about what OS we're running, or what device we're using. But it's heading that way. Both Steve (Jobs) and Bill (gates) see it coming and I think Steve has the lead currently in getting there. ;)
Your FileMaker book, "FileMaker Pro Design & Scripting for Dummies," was published in July of 2006. Did you enjoy writing the book? Are there plans on releasing an updated version of the book?
I had a great time writing that book. Not only was I able to present some ideas on how to design a database, an application, and write script code – but, I also got to interject humor into the topic. I approached the Wiley folks about doing an updated version for 9.0. However, the numbers haven't quite justified them doing it yet. (It's all about the numbers!) When they're ready, I'll be here. In the mean time, I have some other titles that I'm pushing for (FileMaker related), and I'm getting some interest.
What do you like best about your job?
I love always being challenged! I'm always learning new things. It keeps me sharp. I'm currently surrounded by six computers, I live in the capital of coffee, and I'm keeping busy. I'm happier than a bear in the middle of the river while salmon are running! I just hope they keep running. ;)
What do you like least about your job?
Dealing with potential clients who just don't get it! I've walked away from some projects because the client doesn't understand how to fully utilize the power of FileMaker to improve their business efficiency. There are a lot of FileMaker users out there who run their businesses and they tinker with FileMaker. Many do not see the advantages of using an industry professional for taking their FileMaker applications to the next level. It's tough to walk away from those, especially after investing time and effort in trying to educate them. But if both of us can't win from the arrangement, then I move on.
What do you think of FileMaker 9?
Ever since version 7, FMI has implemented their vision for producing a product that not only allows for quick and easy database development, but can also be utilized as a serious software application development tool! Version 9 is another step in that direction. Especially with dynamic access to SQL.
What are your favorite new features of FileMaker 9?
SQL! SQL! Conditional Formatting, and layout anchoring. Oh, and did I mention SQL?!
If you could add a few features to FileMaker, what would they be?
The ability to reposition and resize layout objects via scripting! I know FMI is heading in that direction. The structure for this functionality is already in FileMaker. They just haven't given us the script steps yet.
I would like to be able to completely hide the status bar. It's a turn off for those of us who want to develop consumer based products for distribution. Not everyone wants to use the panel or the status bar.
Native layout object events! Such as OnGotFocus, OnLostFocus, etc. The plug-ins are cool but would still like to be able to do this natively.
Give us the ability to turn off the Exit button! If we can't have that, then give us the ability to intercept the closing of the application.
The ability to use embedded SQL for defining tables, fields, and relationships. And be able to issue a SQL Select & Where (with joins) for building views of data. Do this with the internal data, not just with backend SQL databases. Yea, that's a biggie! But it would sure bring in more of "big iron" software developers to the FileMaker market.
What's your favorite tool, plugin, or technique for developing FileMaker databases?
Zippscript for handling events. FMBooks Connector for QuickBooks integration.
I try to use Anchor/Buoy as much as possible. I'm also keen using the Session Model for development. It's more code intensive, but it does provide for more control over the data and the user experience. This is a technique used extensively in the VB and C++ world but is a bit of a foreign concept for FileMaker developers. I appreciate that John Howell (of data::experience) has been promoting this in his FMPUG visits.
You're a member of the FileMaker Technical Network. What benefits have you seen in being a member?
Aside from the exposure to a great community of FileMaker developers, I also appreciate getting opportunities to see what's up and coming from FMI.
Are you a FileMaker 8 certified developer? If so, how has being certified helped you, your career, and your business?
Unfortunately, I've always been a "home grown" developer. I get projects and work without having the piece of paper that says I know what I'm doing. However, I also recognize that it's important in a relationship with FMI to have the certification. I'm currently scheduled for the FMP 9 Certification test in December.
What advice would you give to someone that is just starting to do FileMaker development?
If you don't have a software development background, then spend some time learning about Project Management, Software Development Life Cycle, and various database design methodologies (Normalization, etc.). If you're coming from a development background in other languages (C++, VB, Java, etc.), be prepared to rethink how a development environment works. The interaction between scripting, calculations, and custom functions takes some getting used to. But once you embrace it, ahhhh, the light bulbs will come on!
What significant changes have you seen take place in the FileMaker world over the years?
True, relational, database modeling! SQL support! And the slow, but growing recognition that FileMaker is a serious tool for business applications.
Did you have a chance to attend DevCon 2007? If so, what did you think of the conference?
I wish I had been there. I've yet to attend a DevCon. It is my hope that I'll be able to attend next year and possibly be a speaker as well.
What technology has most changed your life?
The electric guitar, the espresso coffee maker, and hand held smart devices.
What are your favorite things to do that don't involve work?
I have a 4 year old character in Eve-Online. Eve is the game that I wanted to write as a game programmer, but never got around to it. I also write science fiction short stories and have 2 novels in the works. Oh, wait, is that work? I'm not sure.
What, or who, inspires you?
My faith, because a beautiful house can not just build itself. My wife, because she keeps me grounded when I start to go off the deep end. ;) The beauty of the great Northwest and the Californian deserts. And at three a.m., when the code is flowing – Pink Floyd and Starbucks!
What's next for you and/or your business?
We're going to continue to improve on IGotIssues to incorporate it's use as a help desk system. There are some more "IGot" type products in the works as well. One is an entertainment application that I hope will make people go "Wow! I didn't know you could do that with FileMaker!"
We will also continue to assist businesses with their need for custom solutions that revolve around FileMaker.
When I was making the transition to becoming a full time FileMaker developer, I once told someone that I was determined to focus on the FileMaker industry. Well, here I am!
Thanks Tim!
To learn more about Tim, visit his personal site located at http://www.timothytrimble.info/. And to learn about his development company, Data Design Labs, visit http://www.datadesignlabs.com/.
How did you get started in IT?
As a self taught video game programmer, I quickly discovered that if I continued to write assembly language into the wee hours of the mornings that I would be scarred for life! So, I packed up the family and moved to California. My first "real" computer job was with Columbia Pictures, in the IT Department, when they only had one IBM PC. After two and a half years I was supporting several hundred computers and writing dBASE II applications.
How long have you been using FileMaker Pro, and how did you get started with it?
I was running a PDA software development company and some friends of mine had a business developing dispatching applications with FileMaker. Since I had done some stuff with Java, they asked me if I would build a web interface using JDBC. Thanks to Kinko's and Starbucks, I managed to build a prototype while on a business trip in Boston. (So much for avoiding all nighter code sessions.) That was with FileMaker 5.0.
While I knew that FileMaker had a big following, I wasn't personally impressed and thought that it was just too basic. Keep in mind, I was pretty busy writing applications with VB, C, and SQL at the time.
We shut down the PDA company a year after 9/11 and I hit the consulting market. A good friend of mine wanted to know if I would write a FileMaker 7 application for a client of his. I decided to take and look and I was blown away! I was impressed with the relational capabilities and the ability to quickly do sophisticated things. The timing was good! I was burned out on the hassles of developing in VB, and all the hoops you had to jump through with Java. I was having fun again and it was all because of the FileMaker environment and its capabilities.
Tell us about your company, Data Design Labs.
We have several goals for DDL:
1) To show businesses how sophisticated and mature FileMaker has become – as a custom application development environment. For example: We're currently developing a very sophisticated Courier Management system with route mapping, php web interfacing, and email dispatching to couriers via smart phones. This customer came to us with a request for a solution without dictating what technology was to be used. We proposed the solution based on FileMaker (of course). It's been a year long project that we'll be implementing later this year.
2) To be the launching pad for consumer and developer products based on FileMaker. Our first is the "IGotIssues" Issue Tracking System.
You and your son, Samuel, have done some interesting development on the BlackBerry and Palm OS platforms. What can you tell us about that? And do you have any plans on doing development on the iPhone?
We've had a great time with the PDA devices. I originally started PDA development with the Apple Newton. Then I was an early adopter of the Palm device. My focus has been on extending access to centralized data with these devices.
Sam has done some amazing stuff with real-time mapping, GPS, and integration with CRM applications. We both worked on a major project for TierraVision, Inc., on a address mapping application. Sam worked on the Palm and I worked on the Blackberry, and there were some other developers involved from TierraVision as well. As a result, we won the 2006 North American Grand Prize award at the Navteq Global LBS Challenge, sponsored by Nokia.
We're frothing at the mouth waiting for the iPhone SDK! The iPod Touch and the iPhone are targets for us since they be a great vertical market devices for business applications that require both "real time" and "occasionally connected" access to centralized data. I feel that there's a huge need for integration of FileMaker with hand-held devices. I hope that we can help fill a need there with these devices.
What is it like working with your son?
It's been a great pleasure working with Sam. Ever since he was little, he has been attracted to computers. When he was 15 he started asking me about how to write programs. Not knowing how serious he was about it, I didn't pushed him into it. I gave him some books. Several weeks after that he blew me away with what he accomplished. That was almost 10 years ago. He can code circles around me! Especially in Flash development.
In addition to the development work that you do, you're also a very busy author. How do you find time to juggle your writing career and manage the day-to-day operations of Data Design Labs?
I've always had a passion for writing. I've been doing it so long (since my Ashton-Tate days) that when I sit down to write the words just flow. The biggest challenge is setting the time aside to do it. (Again, the late night/early morning hours.)
You've done development work for a very impressive list of clients, including Volvo, WhirlPool, and many more. What's the most exciting and/or challenging project that you've had a chance to work on?
In my pre-FileMaker days, that would be the project we did for Whirlpool. It was a VB, FormLogic, and Oracle SQL project called "RoadRunner". The system provided the ability to assign truck drivers, trucks, and products to a route. The route would be downloaded to hand-held (Newtons) and the drivers would then do their deliveries. Proof of Delivery and Exceptions would be recorded on the hand-held and then uploaded back to Oracle at the end of the day. It was deployed to 30 locations across the US with 30 PC's and 600 hand-helds, all talking to a centralized SQL database.
In FileMaker, the most challenging thus far was the project that I worked on was through Soliant Consulting for a major computer manufacturer. I can't really go into details (I would have to shoot all your readers), but I will say that the database design was one of the most complex I had ever worked on. One of the modules I developed for it was a very sophisticated boolean search facility that required extensive amounts of RedBull to complete.
You mentioned "IGotIssues" earlier. Tell us a little about the product. Are there any unique challenges that you've faced in releasing an "off the shelf" application like this?
IGotIssues actually began as an in-house database for keeping track of issues, bugs, and requests related to the various FileMaker projects. Since all FileMaker developers have to have some way of keeping track of their "to dos" for their projects, we felt it would be a great product to introduce as a DDL product. The challenge with any product release is in making sure that we have the infrastructure in place for supporting it once it's out the door, and in keeping it fresh with new features and enhancements.
In doing my research for this interview, one of the things that struck me is your extensive background in programming, and also the work you've done in documenting the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology and applying it to FileMaker development. Two questions for you...
With such an extensive technical background, do you find it frustrating at times to work within the constraints of the FileMaker environment?
Ah, my topic of passion...
Actually, my frustration is not with the constraints of FileMaker. I enjoy pushing the envelope with FileMaker and molding it to our clients needs. While there may be constraints, there are also ways around those constraints. We wouldn't be good programmers if we were not creative, yes?
However, my frustration is with the mind set created by earlier versions of FileMaker. Not just with the user community but also with FileMaker developers. In the business community, if you mention FileMaker, they still think of a quick and dirty, flat file, limited database. It's a big challenge getting around this perception. In the developer community, there is a lot of "old school" mentality in designing and developing applications based on the way FileMaker used to force you to do things. Such as extensive lookups, etc. As FileMaker grows, it's our responsibility as developers to learn the new ways of doing things, to take advantage of the true power in the product.
What unique challenges do you think FileMaker developers face that make applying the SDLC methodology to difficult?
Again, the challenge is in turning off the "FileMaker doesn't work that way" mentality. Rapid prototyping is nice, but you have to wrap your arms around the "big picture" of a project. It takes time to scope out a project, define the true requirements, determine what the business rules are, and then put together specifications. Most developers are very hesitant about doing this. The natural desire is to just sit down and start developing.
If you asked a building contractor to build a house, then he showed up without plans and just started nailing a frame together you would fire him on the spot! A well implemented solution is one that has been carefully thought through, planned, blueprinted, and approved – before the actual coding begins. Then you build according to the plan. Of course, there are going to be changes during the process, but at least you have a process for managing those changes, and thus managing the expectations of the customer.
On your blog, you recently wrote, "Ever since version 7, FileMaker has become more of a serious software application development tool." With all of the changes that FileMaker has been through over the past few years, what has the impact been in terms of managing FileMaker projects?
As with any "serious" application development tool, to become a good developer, you have to learn all the capabilities of the tool. It's very easy to slap together some layouts, add some calculations, and be on your way. But to really harness the power of FileMaker, you're going to have to become a good script programmer. And again, you need to map out the target functionality and requirements. This requires time, resources, and diligence. These things need to be considered when pricing projects and determining the time frames for deliverables.
Also on your blog, you wrote about the possibility of using FileMaker as a front-end to a SQL-based backend. That's something that I've been experimenting with myself, and I've had a lot of luck with it. Do you think that FMI's position that FileMaker is not to be considered as a SQL client development tool is something that will eventually change?
I hope it changes. However, in order for it to change, FMI will need to improve the performance of the SQL interface. Until then, we have great tools for doing PHP (FMStudio). Just because PHP is intended for web based interfaces, doesn't mean that you can't also use it as a client based interface within FileMaker itself (via the web control).
You worked at Ashton-Tate back when dBase IV was popular. Did you ever imagine that the relational database world would change as quickly as it has? What changes have you seen that excite you the most?
In the final days of Ashton-Tate, SQL was just starting to be accepted as a standard for DBM (database management). I am impressed with how that standard has progressed through the years. As the world has become more connected via the use of smart devices, I am most excited about the prospects of being able to access your data from anywhere at any time. Not just static data, but constantly changing data. Just within a family (for example), being able to keep in touch with one another, share schedules, pictures, music, video – regardless of where you are or what type of device you're using. We still have a long way to go before we no longer have to worry about what OS we're running, or what device we're using. But it's heading that way. Both Steve (Jobs) and Bill (gates) see it coming and I think Steve has the lead currently in getting there. ;)
Your FileMaker book, "FileMaker Pro Design & Scripting for Dummies," was published in July of 2006. Did you enjoy writing the book? Are there plans on releasing an updated version of the book?
I had a great time writing that book. Not only was I able to present some ideas on how to design a database, an application, and write script code – but, I also got to interject humor into the topic. I approached the Wiley folks about doing an updated version for 9.0. However, the numbers haven't quite justified them doing it yet. (It's all about the numbers!) When they're ready, I'll be here. In the mean time, I have some other titles that I'm pushing for (FileMaker related), and I'm getting some interest.
What do you like best about your job?
I love always being challenged! I'm always learning new things. It keeps me sharp. I'm currently surrounded by six computers, I live in the capital of coffee, and I'm keeping busy. I'm happier than a bear in the middle of the river while salmon are running! I just hope they keep running. ;)
What do you like least about your job?
Dealing with potential clients who just don't get it! I've walked away from some projects because the client doesn't understand how to fully utilize the power of FileMaker to improve their business efficiency. There are a lot of FileMaker users out there who run their businesses and they tinker with FileMaker. Many do not see the advantages of using an industry professional for taking their FileMaker applications to the next level. It's tough to walk away from those, especially after investing time and effort in trying to educate them. But if both of us can't win from the arrangement, then I move on.
What do you think of FileMaker 9?
Ever since version 7, FMI has implemented their vision for producing a product that not only allows for quick and easy database development, but can also be utilized as a serious software application development tool! Version 9 is another step in that direction. Especially with dynamic access to SQL.
What are your favorite new features of FileMaker 9?
SQL! SQL! Conditional Formatting, and layout anchoring. Oh, and did I mention SQL?!
If you could add a few features to FileMaker, what would they be?
The ability to reposition and resize layout objects via scripting! I know FMI is heading in that direction. The structure for this functionality is already in FileMaker. They just haven't given us the script steps yet.
I would like to be able to completely hide the status bar. It's a turn off for those of us who want to develop consumer based products for distribution. Not everyone wants to use the panel or the status bar.
Native layout object events! Such as OnGotFocus, OnLostFocus, etc. The plug-ins are cool but would still like to be able to do this natively.
Give us the ability to turn off the Exit button! If we can't have that, then give us the ability to intercept the closing of the application.
The ability to use embedded SQL for defining tables, fields, and relationships. And be able to issue a SQL Select & Where (with joins) for building views of data. Do this with the internal data, not just with backend SQL databases. Yea, that's a biggie! But it would sure bring in more of "big iron" software developers to the FileMaker market.
What's your favorite tool, plugin, or technique for developing FileMaker databases?
Zippscript for handling events. FMBooks Connector for QuickBooks integration.
I try to use Anchor/Buoy as much as possible. I'm also keen using the Session Model for development. It's more code intensive, but it does provide for more control over the data and the user experience. This is a technique used extensively in the VB and C++ world but is a bit of a foreign concept for FileMaker developers. I appreciate that John Howell (of data::experience) has been promoting this in his FMPUG visits.
You're a member of the FileMaker Technical Network. What benefits have you seen in being a member?
Aside from the exposure to a great community of FileMaker developers, I also appreciate getting opportunities to see what's up and coming from FMI.
Are you a FileMaker 8 certified developer? If so, how has being certified helped you, your career, and your business?
Unfortunately, I've always been a "home grown" developer. I get projects and work without having the piece of paper that says I know what I'm doing. However, I also recognize that it's important in a relationship with FMI to have the certification. I'm currently scheduled for the FMP 9 Certification test in December.
What advice would you give to someone that is just starting to do FileMaker development?
If you don't have a software development background, then spend some time learning about Project Management, Software Development Life Cycle, and various database design methodologies (Normalization, etc.). If you're coming from a development background in other languages (C++, VB, Java, etc.), be prepared to rethink how a development environment works. The interaction between scripting, calculations, and custom functions takes some getting used to. But once you embrace it, ahhhh, the light bulbs will come on!
What significant changes have you seen take place in the FileMaker world over the years?
True, relational, database modeling! SQL support! And the slow, but growing recognition that FileMaker is a serious tool for business applications.
Did you have a chance to attend DevCon 2007? If so, what did you think of the conference?
I wish I had been there. I've yet to attend a DevCon. It is my hope that I'll be able to attend next year and possibly be a speaker as well.
What technology has most changed your life?
The electric guitar, the espresso coffee maker, and hand held smart devices.
What are your favorite things to do that don't involve work?
I have a 4 year old character in Eve-Online. Eve is the game that I wanted to write as a game programmer, but never got around to it. I also write science fiction short stories and have 2 novels in the works. Oh, wait, is that work? I'm not sure.
What, or who, inspires you?
My faith, because a beautiful house can not just build itself. My wife, because she keeps me grounded when I start to go off the deep end. ;) The beauty of the great Northwest and the Californian deserts. And at three a.m., when the code is flowing – Pink Floyd and Starbucks!
What's next for you and/or your business?
We're going to continue to improve on IGotIssues to incorporate it's use as a help desk system. There are some more "IGot" type products in the works as well. One is an entertainment application that I hope will make people go "Wow! I didn't know you could do that with FileMaker!"
We will also continue to assist businesses with their need for custom solutions that revolve around FileMaker.
When I was making the transition to becoming a full time FileMaker developer, I once told someone that I was determined to focus on the FileMaker industry. Well, here I am!
Thanks Tim!
To learn more about Tim, visit his personal site located at http://www.timothytrimble.info/. And to learn about his development company, Data Design Labs, visit http://www.datadesignlabs.com/.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Dwayne Wright
Senior FileMaker Developer
SolutionMakers, Inc.
This week's interview is with Dwayne Wright, a Senior FileMaker Developer at Seattle, Washington-based SolutionMakers, Inc. and the man behind the popular "aFILEMAKERaffliction" (a network of FileMaker-related resources). Dwayne writes extensively about FileMaker on the "AFA" network, and has also been published in FileMaker Pro Advisor and ISO FileMaker Magazine. Read on to learn about Dwayne, his experience working on the Newton MessagePad at Apple, his current role at SolutionMakers, and much more.
How did you get started in IT?
I was a car salesman (believe it or not) and wandered into a computer store. Walked out with a brand new Macintosh 512k enhanced, two disc drives and an ImageWriter printer. Plan was to use them to help car sales, year later I was selling computers. Three years later, was working at Apple Computer as a technical support person.
How long have you been using FileMaker Pro, and how did you get started with it?
I really don't know exactly, must have started around 1989, so just under 20 years. When I was selling computers, I was using a HyperCard based customer database and it wouldn't work with the new HyperCard 2.0. The FileMaker box said I could design my own customer database in minutes and it did. I went to work for a Macintosh mail order house in sales and they didn't have a computerized inventory system. Was driving me nuts that I couldn't see what was in stock. In true FileMaker spirit, I wrote one, we implemented it and I was a hooked on FileMaker databases from then on.
You were a member of the Newton MessagePad team at Apple. What was it like being at Apple at that time? What are your thoughts on the Newton itself?
Oh, it was very exciting! I think I took the fourth technical support call as the product was released at the Boston MacWorld show floor. That call turned out to be one of very many that centered around showing the customer were the reset button was.
My thoughts on the Newton, wow, that is a loaded question. I could write a couple dozen pages on the topic. I loved the Newton but I wasn't in love with it. Working in Newton technical support was like watching (or being in) a bad car wreck in slow motion. It could have changed the world but the "suits" didn't see it that way. Before too long, it couldn't be saved.
What PDA do you use today?
I don't, I'm about as non-PDA as a geek can get. The iPhone can probably change that but (like many) I'm waiting for that killer app.
Tell us about LeSaux Media Services. What was it like running your own company for 5 years? And what's it like working for someone else again?
I loved running my own company and I took to it like a duck to water. I made the change primarily because I wanted to be in an environment with other developers. It was an easier transition than I imagined but I think that is mostly due to the overall SolutionMakers workplace.
You're now working at SolutionMakers Inc. What is it like to be working at such a prestigious FileMaker consulting firm?
You know, it is not like working at a prestigious consulting firm. We do have five full time FileMaker 8 Certified developers now and we are beginning to rollout an intern program for new FileMaker gurus. Each developer gets to work on some very exciting and cutting edge projects but SolutionMakers really is more of a family. I really like and respect my co-workers. I get to see bald eagles nest above the river from my desk. I even get to bring my dog into work every day and he is an official member of the SolutionMakers crew (although he is not FileMaker Certified, grin).
What do you like best about your job?
Working with other talented and passionate FileMaker developers that bring their A game to work every day.
What do you like least about your job?
We don't have a full time project manager on board yet and I'm thinking that would be very nice. I like working with customers but it is difficult wearing both hats all the time. We have been looking but quality project managers are hard to find out there. Someday in the future, I see myself possibly moving into the project manager role full time.
You've been doing some cool things with FileMaker's Instant Web Publishing feature, especially on your site hosted at The Drooling Dog. What can you tell us a about some of the experiments that you've been doing?
I've worked on a half dozen or so IWP solutions in the past and enjoy it. I'm a little behind in what I'd like to have added to the AFA database. Adatasol put out a very cool podcast devoted to IWP last year and I'd recommend everyone interested in IWP to download it and give it a listen. The next experiment will be a quiz section within the database. Kind of a primer for those wanting to take the FileMaker Certification Exam, which I also recommend to anyone wanting to see about taking their FileMaker skills to the next level.
aFILEMAKERaffliction is a network of FileMaker-related resources that you maintain. How do you find the time keep so many blogs up to date?
I use a FileMaker database to manage it all, of course! (grin) Honestly, I wrote and self published about 1,000 pages of FileMaker 5 to FileMaker 6 related content between 2002 and 2005. All of it needed to be rewritten and edited for the latest copies of FileMaker. So every morning over a cup of coffee, I rewrite some of it and post it to a blog. It's fun and helps me prepare to a day of pixel wrangling.
What are your favorite new features of FileMaker 9?
Although FileMaker 9 is a great update, nothing in it struck a real chord with me. I like the collapsible ScriptMaker groups. I'm crossing my fingers and toes they will provide a similar feature for layouts in the future. I work on large databases with well over 50 tables every day and those types of organizing features really pay a dividend to me.
I know that the marketing demand is for more integration features. I get that and I'm on board with it. It's just not what I need as much as ways to create quality code faster, better commenting features and more robust troubleshooting tools. I would be very jazzed about a FileMaker Advanced version that was loaded to the max with those types of features!
If you could add a few new features to FileMaker, what would they be?
You know how in the File Options you can run a script when a file opens or when it closes? I'd like to see the same feature in the Field Options dialog box and be able to run a script when a user enters into a field and/or when a user exits a field. That would be "THE KILLER" new feature for me and my customers.
What's your favorite tool, plugin, or technique for developing FileMaker databases?
PLUG-IN: fmDataGuard by WorldSync.
TECHNIQUE: Separation Model and Anchor/Buoy
You're a FileMaker 8 Certified Developer. Has the certification helped you? If so, how?
You know the old saying that it is the journey but not the destination? I think studying for FileMaker Certification is probably more important than obtaining it. I learned some many unique things that were not on the test when I was studying for it.
You know another old saying about the man that is cutting a lot of wood and is too busy to sharpen his saw? If he took a few minutes to sharpen his saw, he would cut twice as much wood in a fraction of the time. Preparing for and taking the FileMaker Certification Exam is sharpening the saw of your FileMaker design skills.
Are you planning on getting certified on FileMaker 9?
Yes, I do believe that on a personal level, I'm a better developer after going through and succeeding in the certification experience and I recommend it to everyone. Clients and employers tend to think highly of certification, in many important cases, it is the difference maker.
Plus, SolutionMakers pays a very healthy bonus for getting certified!
What advice would you give to someone that is just starting to do FileMaker development?
Jump in with both feet, don't be afraid to ask questions and consider your customers as your greatest source of information about what makes a database great.
What significant changes have you seen take place in the FileMaker world over the years?
Although I wouldn't say we are completely there yet, the ability to recycle schema and code from one database to another. If I can harvest "tested / bug free" schema from a solution to another solution, I can save my clients time and money. I can dynamically empower my customers with a "I want that" menu and I think that is an amazing feature that will win over the hearts of future FileMaker customers. I have my fingers crossed that in the future, we have internal tools for harvesting relationship, value list and custom function schema in the near future.
Are you involved in any FileMaker user groups in the Seattle area? If so, how has being involved in the group benefited you?
Yep, I was the one that floated the idea of the Seattle PUG to my boss. I never imagined how my co-workers would take the ball and run with it. We have had great speakers fly in from around the country and great debates with developers outside our back door that we would have never met otherswise. I started a little blog for our group, check it out at http://seattlefmpug.blogspot.com/
What technology has most changed your life?
The Macintosh (Yep, I'm one of those!)
What are your favorite things to do that don't involve work?
Trail hiking, love to take my dog and hit the trails!
What's next for you?
I have another web experiment I'm noodling with. I call it the Five To Nine project. I'm turning on the camera and babbling into a microphone as I convert an old multiple file FileMaker 5 solution to a separation model, anchor / buoy FileMaker 9 solution. Totally unscripted and sometimes I'm a bit punchy because I do it at the end of the day.
I'm very jazzed about becoming a PTFS trainer for SolutionMakers. In November, I get to fly down to Cupertino and participate in a 4 day train the trainer. I'm really looking forward to getting training content and how to information directly from the mothership!
We are trying to line up a FileMaker geek training cruise at SolutionMakers. It will be a three to four day cruise in the greater Seattle area with training during the day and socializing in the evening. If everything goes according to plan, we should be announcing something early in the spring of 2008!
Thanks Dwayne!
To learn more about Dwayne, visit aFILEMAKERAffliction located at http://www.afilemakeraffliction.com/. And you can learn more about SolutionMakers at http://www.solutionmakers.com/.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Review: FileMaker Pro 9 Beyond the Basics (with Cris Ippolite)
I've just finished my first product review for FMPug. One of the many benefits that FMPug members get is the opportunity to participate in their "review it and win” program, where you get to review products, and after you've completed the review process, you get to keep the product. Very cool!
My first review is for "FileMaker Pro 9 Beyond the Basics with: Cris Ippolite," a video training product that is available from lynda.com as well as on Amazon.com
. What a great product for my first FMPug review!
"FileMaker Pro 9 Beyond the Basics" includes two CDs with nearly 9 hours of training videos, as well as exercise files. All of the more advanced features of FileMaker Pro 9 are covered -- everything from data modeling to advanced scripting techniques to Web publishing. What impressed me the most about the content is that it is very up-to-date, and covers newer FileMaker features such as External SQL Sources (ESS), the PHP Site Assistant, etc. If you're looking for training on these new features, then this is the perfect product for you. I'd also recommend it to new FileMaker Pro users who are looking for an affordable and effective way to get "up to speed" with FileMaker. At $99.95, this product is a real bargain!
The training is done by Cris Ippolite, the President and Founder of Santa Monica-based iSolutions, Inc. Cris does a great job of explaining FileMaker's functions. He covers the topics thoroughly and in a manner that will help you to stick with the training.
So, to sum it up... Whether you're a new FileMaker Pro user or a long-time, experienced developer, "FileMaker Pro 9 Beyond the Basics" is an affordable, effective way to get training. Be sure to check it out!
And if you haven't checked out FMPug yet, I urge you to do it now. Simply head over to fmpug.com and see what all the fuss is about. You'll be glad you did!
My first review is for "FileMaker Pro 9 Beyond the Basics with: Cris Ippolite," a video training product that is available from lynda.com as well as on Amazon.com
. What a great product for my first FMPug review!"FileMaker Pro 9 Beyond the Basics" includes two CDs with nearly 9 hours of training videos, as well as exercise files. All of the more advanced features of FileMaker Pro 9 are covered -- everything from data modeling to advanced scripting techniques to Web publishing. What impressed me the most about the content is that it is very up-to-date, and covers newer FileMaker features such as External SQL Sources (ESS), the PHP Site Assistant, etc. If you're looking for training on these new features, then this is the perfect product for you. I'd also recommend it to new FileMaker Pro users who are looking for an affordable and effective way to get "up to speed" with FileMaker. At $99.95, this product is a real bargain!
The training is done by Cris Ippolite, the President and Founder of Santa Monica-based iSolutions, Inc. Cris does a great job of explaining FileMaker's functions. He covers the topics thoroughly and in a manner that will help you to stick with the training.
So, to sum it up... Whether you're a new FileMaker Pro user or a long-time, experienced developer, "FileMaker Pro 9 Beyond the Basics" is an affordable, effective way to get training. Be sure to check it out!
And if you haven't checked out FMPug yet, I urge you to do it now. Simply head over to fmpug.com and see what all the fuss is about. You'll be glad you did!
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