[Macpartners] FileMaker 9.0 Release Project Underway

[Cecilia Marra]

Good day to the MIT Community:

FileMaker Pro 9.0 - Release Project
-----------------------------------
IS&T is pleased to announce that a release project for FileMaker Pro 9.0 is
now underway. FileMaker Pro 9.0 has been available commercially since July 2007. The 
FileMaker Release Team anticipates the formal release for version 9.0 at MIT to be
complete by late fall.

For the convenience of the MIT community, the Software Release and Volume
Licensing teams will initiate distribution before the completion of the 
release project.  Distribution requests will be accommodated starting at the end of
September.  Should you choose to request and install FileMaker Pro 9.0 prior to
the completion of the release project, please be aware that Help Desk support and
training will not yet be available.

New Features and System Requirements
------------------------------------
Version 9.0 is similar to version 8.5, but with some valuable new features and
functionalities: 
http://web.mit.edu/swrt/releases/filemaker/index.html#features

A major new feature of FileMaker Pro 9.0 is its External SQL Source (ESS)
functionality.  This feature enables you to interact in real time with
databases, such as the Data Warehouse, without importing the data into your
local Filemaker database. For more information: 
http://web.mit.edu/swrt/releases/filemaker/index.html#ESS

Note:  FileMaker Pro 9.0 is fully compatible with Microsoft Vista, but 
FileMaker Server 9.0 is not.  Detailed system requirements for Mac and Windows:
http://web.mit.edu/swrt/releases/filemaker/sysreqs.html

Testing Effort
--------------
At this time, normal testing efforts will include testing FileMaker Pro 9.0 on
the various supported operating systems. The team also plans to test hosting
databases on FileMaker Server 9.0, so that the community may have full access
to the security features now available in the FileMaker product line. IS&T
encourages the use of FileMaker Server to allow for secure workgroup and
departmental solutions.  We expect to provide support for FileMaker Pro 
9.0 and FileMaker Server 9.0 by late Fall.

If you are interested in participating in the test efforts, please contact
filemaker-release at mit.edu.

MIT Support for FileMaker v9.0 will include:
--------------------------------------------
* Updated online documentation regarding installation, upgrade considerations,
licensing and system requirements
* Help Desk support of all currently supported features
* Updated Stock Answers pages

NOTE: Training at MIT will be done on version 8.0/8.5 for the remainder of the
calendar year. Training on version 9.0 will begin in January 2008.

Compatibility Issues
--------------------
There are compatibility issues with using FileMaker Pro 9.0 in a mixed
environment with earlier versions of FileMaker.  For more information:
http://web.mit.edu/swrt/releases/filemaker/index.html#issues

Distribution of Volume License Copies of Filemaker Pro 9.0 at MIT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Advanced (formerly Developer), FileMaker Server and 
Server Advanced, and FileMaker Mobile will be available for use for a nominal 
processing fee under the terms of an IS&T-brokered volume license agreement 
with FileMaker, Inc.

MIT community members who wish to request licenses for Filemaker Pro 9.0 may
order media beginning in late September by using an online request form. Media
will not be distributed without a request from license holders.  There will be
a small processing fee for distribution per license; this fee has not yet been
set but will be published when distribution is ready to begin.  Please check
the VSLS web site at http://web.mit.edu/is/products/vsls/mitfmpro/ for updated
information on distribution.

NOTE: IS&T has no plans to support FileMaker Advanced, FileMaker Server
Advanced, and FileMaker Mobile.

You are invited to follow the progress of this effort via the Project Notebook
at http://web.mit.edu/swrt/releases/filemaker/. And remember, volunteer testers
are welcome!

Please contact filemaker-release at mit.edu with questions or comments.

Thank you for your attention!
Cecilia Marra
on behalf of the FileMaker Release Team

---------------------------------------------------------------
Cecilia Marra
Web and Database Consultant
Departmental Consulting and Application Development (DCAD) 
Information Services and Technology
cmarra at mit.edu