FileMaker aims to make it easier to link to enterprise databases with the latest version of its namesake application. The tool has better integration with SQL sources, and also support for PHP to help customers build web-based access to data.

FileMaker 9, available now, adds many new features to help with automating, sharing and reporting from databases, FileMaker said.

Key new features are connectivity with external data sources in all versions, and support for PHP in the server editions.

The first enables FileMaker to connect to MySQL, Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server databases. Here, FileMaker’s ease of use allows customers to quickly develop a front-end application to access information in corporate repositories.

“Lots of customers use FileMaker for speed of development – it’s about how quick you can get it onto the user’s desktop,” said FileMaker sales engineer Tim Poole.

Meanwhile PHP support adds to FileMaker’s existing web publishing features, making it easier to access data via the web. Along with a new upload assistant tool, it lets customers build a web application that links back to FileMaker Server, enabling users to search for information and edit records. Crucially, it does not require any programming skills to generate the web content, according to Poole.

“It enables people who know their job and know their business to put that business logic into a database,” Poole added.

FileMaker Pro 9 costs £219 + VAT, while FileMaker Server 9 costs £650 + VAT.