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MIGRATION
Advantages of FileMaker Pro Over Spreadsheets
Many people are more comfortable with using a spreadsheet than they are with databases, regardless of the limitations of spreadsheets. Learn how to help make the case for using FileMaker Pro.
DOWNLOAD (785,890 bytes) -- The FileMaker Web Viewer Charting Example Database lets you combine FileMaker Pro data with dynamic Flash HTML charts to add interesting graphical elements to your solutions.
UNLOCKED -- This article is provided to subscribers of FILEMAKER PRO BASICS ADVISOR or DATABASED ADVISOR or FILEMAKER ADVISOR or FILEMAKER PRO BASICS ADVISOR. To subscribe or renew, go to Advisor Store.
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As a FileMaker Pro advocate, you probably hear -- or will someday -- others question the use of FileMaker Pro when "it's just as easy to use a spreadsheet." This article will help you prepare for this (some would say inevitable) conversation, and give you some good reasons to spot when a database would be a better approach than a spreadsheet.
Lots of people use spreadsheets and have a certain comfort level with them. Spreadsheets are great for adding up columns of figures, making charts, and they're really good for ... well, not much else! Spreadsheets are even losing their ground with charting. See the sidebar, " Charting in FileMaker Pro," for a look at some of your options for charting.
Charting in FileMaker Pro
The great advantage that spreadsheets used to have over FileMaker Pro was the ability to chart data. This is no longer true. Charting is now an easy task in FileMaker Pro thanks to the FileMaker Web Viewer Example Database as well as some third-party plug-ins. The FileMaker Web Viewer Charting Example Database lets you combine FileMaker Pro data with dynamic Flash HTML charts to add interesting graphical elements to your solutions. Using the Web Viewer, this tool lets you add 3D pie and bar charts, line charts, scatter charts, and Gantt charts to your FileMaker Pro 9 and 8.5 solutions. The download file that accompanies this article includes HTML and SWF files you need to display the Flash HTML charts. You'll also need to download the Adobe Flash Player from the Adobe Web site to view the charts.
The FusionReactor plug-in uses FileMaker Pro's Web Viewer capability (in versions 9 and 8.5) and Flash to generate dynamic charts that instantly display and/or update as you enter data.
Also, ICE from iSolutions Inc. is a hosted graphing solution that uses the new Web Viewer feature of FileMaker Pro 9/8.5, plus Adobe Flash technology, to provide graphing in your FileMaker Pro layouts. ICE may not be appropriate for the rank amateur, but if you have a good grasp of text calculations, you can quickly get a handle on ICE and start making beautiful graphs.
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Michael Rochard was born in England and has been a full time professional FileMaker developer since 1987. He co-founded the first FileMaker-only consultancy in the UK. Michael has worked with many Fortune 500 companies and has developed solutions for virtually every industry. He specializes in highly visual intuitive interfaces. Michael works as a consultant for Excelisys but also has his own company, TimeGain Software, which provides Web site design, graphic design, and business development services in addition to FileMaker development. rochard@timegainsoftware.com or rochard@excelisys.com
Keyword Tags: FileMaker, FileMaker Development, FileMaker FileMaker Pro, Microsoft, Microsoft Office Excel
ADVISORAMA You must speak up to be heard, but sometimes you have to shut up to be appreciated.
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ARTICLE INFO
Web Edition: 2007 Week 42, Doc #19297Print Edition: Issue #11, Page 8
ARTICLE LOCKED
File: The FileMaker Web Viewer Charting Example Database lets you combine FileMaker Pro data with dynamic Flash HTML charts to add interesting graphical elements to your solutions.
DOWNLOAD: 785,890 bytes
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