Claris Corp is one part of Apple Computer Inc that could definitely be spun off as a viable business in its own right – as was originally the intention. There was no doubt about its independent viability in the mind of the company as it announced the new version of its FileMaker Pro end-user database. The company was quick to point out its recent success and record turnover, though no figure was forthcoming. Company spokesperson, Tony Speakman made some bold claims for the company, saying that it is increasingly becoming the only viable alternative to Microsoft in the desktop database arena. The biggest change from version 2.1 to 3.0 of FileMaker Pro is that it is now a relational, as opposed to being a flat file database. Users with FileMaker 2.1 files will be able to read them with version 3.0, but not the other way round. The FileMaker Pro client is available for Power Macintosh, Macintosh 68000, Windows95 and Windows NT. The server is also available now, but only for Power Macintosh and 68030 Macintosh servers. An NT version is on the way: it’s in the development department at the moment, said Speakman, with no date set for release. A Novell Inc NetWare server version is not planned at present. The new version adds TCP/IP support to AppleTalk and IPX. The company is planning support for Open Database Connectivity in future releases. The Windows95 version also includes Object Linking & Embedding 2.0 support. It is aimed at small- to medium-sized business and corporate workgroups. Speakman said that the company was not competing against Oracle, or even Microsoft Corp’s Access, which he described as too complicated. The company is working on a cut-down version called FileMaker Home, aimed at the high-volume home consumer market, which will released on CD-ROM for the Macintosh and Windows95 some time this year. It is thought to be a flat file database, as Speakman said it was unlikely that it’ll be able to read 3.0 files. FileMaker Home will be sold through retail outlets and by mail order for under #100.
