FileMaker Developer Conference 2010 Sessions
By admin | February 25, 2010

The FileMaker Developer Conference will take place in San Diego, CA AUGUST 15-18, 2010. The FileMaker Developer Conference session schedule has been announced. Featured in 2010 will be a special track called “Preparing for Certification”.
This year FileMaker has developed a special track for developers working toward getting their FileMaker certification. It is also for those that want to focus and dig deep on a particular topic area in a smaller workshop setting. Based on the FileMaker Training Series (FTS) curriculum, the workshops will be delivered by the FileMaker authorized trainers. Each attendee will receive an electronic copy of the FTS materials, exercise files, and videos. (Additional fee required).
Cris Ippolite has been chosen by FileMaker to be the Chairman of this new track. Having architected the sessions and the organization of the speakers on this track, Cris will also be presenting 4 sessions:
Intro for Preparing for Certification
Session DescriptionThis session will be open to all DEVCON attendees and is designed to discuss the advantages for becoming a FileMaker certified developer. This session will also preview the various topics in the FileMaker Certification Preparation track. Attendees will be introduced to the sessions and how they may help you prepare for FileMaker Certification. This session will be ideal for anyone attending the Certification Preparation Track or for those interested in FileMaker Certification.
- Why certification matters
- Who should consider certification?
Preparing for Fields
The purpose of this session is for you to become comfortable creating fields and working with various field options. FileMaker Pro software supports several different data types, including text, number, date, time, and timestamp data. You can specify many options for automatically entering data into a field when it is created and/or modified. Setting up field validation and storage options provides an additional layer of control over the data that can be entered into your system. This session will focus on the way that different field types effect behaviors of the data stored within the fields. It will also serve as a review of your Field Option related to Validation, Auto Entry and Storage. Additional things you will learn: - Auto Enter Options - Global Storage - Containers - Preparing for Certification, whats next? Note: An additional fee is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one CD of the FTS materials for one or more sessions (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).
What You Will Learn
- Record Level Validation vs Field Level
- Always vs Data Entry validation options
- Indexing (None, Minimal, All) and when to index
- Character Length and Storage maximums
Preparing for Web Publishing
Session DescriptionThe web technologies in FileMaker Server (and Pro) allow you to give your solutions a very broad reach. However, there are some tradeoffs to be aware of, which this session will discuss in detail. Web technologies allow users to interact with a FileMaker Pro solution using only a web browser. This session will discuss both Instant and Custom Web Publishing options available as well as considerations for both. There will also be discussion on setting up Web Publishing and the required Server components and additional software you will need to publish your FileMaker data to the web. Additional things you will learn: - XML Grammars - URL Syntax - PHP Site Assistant - Preparing for Certification, whats next? Note: An additional fee is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one CD of the FTS materials for one or more sessions (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).
What You Will Learn
- Ports needed for each component to speak to others
- Web Publishing options avail and their required Server version
- Server components setup
- Scripts on the web
Wrap Up and Next Steps for Certification
Preparing for the FileMaker Certification Exam doesn’t stop here. This session will review all the resources available to those who wish to properly prepare themselves to take the exam. Recommended reading and additional study guides will be reviewed as well as a discussion on how and where to take the exam. This session will provide tips for proper preparation for those taking the exam, allowing attendees to prepare the “next steps” for preparing for certification. Attendees will also have time to ask questions about Certification.
What You Will Learn
- How the exam process works
- How to schedule an exam
For more information on FileMaker Developer Conference and registration, see the FileMaker site.
Topics: FileMaker | Comments Off
Cris Ippolite Presenting at Bootcamp for FileMaker
By admin | February 9, 2010
I will be speaking at Bootcamp for FileMaker this year on Friday, Feb 19th! Please come by!

What is Bootcamp? A week long intensive immersion in FileMaker development. FileMaker Bootcamp was started 5 years ago as a homegrown, grassroots event where people could come and discuss the fundamentals of database development as it pertains to FileMaker. It is an opportunity to spend a concentrated period of time in an intensive learning environment filled with unique educational resources. Bootcamp offers a broad range of sessions that extend beyond simply learning how to use FileMaker as a tool. The concept of the Bootcamp event is to experience the System Development Lifecycle and put FileMaker into a larger context, while providing resources for a solid foundation of database development.
Content: Basic Relational Design and Modeling, Data Normalization, Relational Graph Management, Business Analysis and Project Management, Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing, Scripting Methodologies and Script Triggers, Reporting, External SQL Sources, File Management, Database Security, Interface Design and Reporting, plus content requested by attendees.
Speakers and Knowledge-base: John Sindelar, Kirk Bowman, David Knight, Cris Ippolite, Steven Gallagher, Andy LeCates, Alexei Folger, Lee Lukehart, Michael Frankel, Ray Rubenstein, Jonn Howell, Laramie Ericson, Allen Imbarrato and Russell Kohn, plus more who are still being confirmed.
Dates: Feb 15th – 19th (Opening Dinner on Feb 14th)
Location: A University Campus in Westlake Village,
CA
Special Event: Andy LeCates will present a TechNet Members-Only luncheon during the Event (available to attendees of Bootcamp 2010).
Enrollment: Limited enrollment to preserve the intimacy and intensity of the Bootcamp experience.
Registration: $1250, Breakfast and lunch are included. Dinner on Sunday and Friday is included, as well. FileMaker will be hosting a dinner one night for all attendees. Day rates are available @ $250/day. FMPug members get a discount.
Hotel Arrangements: A room package has been arranged with the recently remodeled Hyatt Westlake Plaza in Thousand Oaks. Rooms are $99 per night, single or double occupancy at one rate, and feature luxurious pillow-top beds. The hotel is located in the same parking lot as the Pepperdine campus, and will be the location of evening case study groups that will be coached by the Bootcamp staff. The Sunday night Welcome Dinner is also hosted at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza Hotel. http://westlake.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
Topics: FileMaker | Comments Off
FILEMAKER 10 LYNDA.COM TRAINING NOW AVAILIBLE
By admin | January 5, 2009
Today FileMaker, Inc announced the launch of FileMaker 10. In addition today lynda.com announced the launch of the FILEMAKER 10 ESSENTIAL TRAINING videos.

FileMaker Pro 10 Essential Training
with: Cris Ippolite
http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=638
Course Description:
From organization comes efficiency, and with efficiency, creativity can flourish. To help users create more efficient workflows, Cris Ippolite introduces the new features and basic functions of FileMaker Pro 10. In FileMaker Pro 10 Essential Training, Cris explains why this desktop database application is used by everyone from Fortune 500 companies to individuals. He demonstrates how databases work, how to manage information and understand its relationships, and how to work with calculated fields. Cris also shows how to import and export information, share results, and build interesting and attractive reports. Exercise files accompany the course.
Topics Include:
• Touring the interface
• Managing records and fields
• Formatting information with layouts
• Working with the Web Viewer function
• Building reports using the new Dynamic Reporting feature
• Learning the new Script Trigger function
Duration:
8.25 Hours
Topics: FileMaker | No Comments »
MACWORLD 09: Creating Dynamic Interfaces with Flash & Databases
By admin | December 30, 2008
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD US912 Session Files
Conference: Users Conference / Inspire Track
Track: Inspire
Session Code: US912
Speaker: Cris Ippolite–President,iSolutions, Inc
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 / 1:00pm – 2:15pm
Room: 2002, West Hall
For the database designer looking to create state of the art dynamic solutions for his customers, the combination of Flash and Filemaker offers a compelling combination. In this stimulating presentation, you’ll see a variety of applications presented and deconstructed to show you how dynamic data can be communicated and integrated between Flash and Filemaker to present stunning interface solutions to enhance Web, standalone and networked apps.
If you are interested in an expanded DVD version of this
article, please visit:
“Integrating Flash and FileMaker Extended DVD”
Topics: Flash and FileMaker | No Comments »
FMPUG: Seattle and Portland
By admin | November 2, 2008
I recently presented “Extending the Web Viewer” at both the Seattle and Portland FMPUG groups.
Click here to download the sample files i used
Also check out this podcast I did while in Portland: click here
Topics: FileMaker | No Comments »
IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT USING FILEMAKER AND FLASH****
By admin | October 4, 2008
The use of embedded SWF files within a Web Viewer is one of the most exciting and dynamic advances in FileMaker interfaces. However an important change imposed this year by Adobe requires a new approach when using these technologies.
With the introduction of Adobe Flash Player 9,0,124,0, Flash Player will not make a socket connection directly to a server without first obtaining explicit permission from that server. This will require some systems and networks to open up ports or run new services in order to support granting permission.
Because this behavior will be new to system and network administrators, this article provides a brief background on why this process is necessary and what they will see on their networks. In addition, this article includes an overview of sample code that Adobe is providing for creating socket policy file servers in testing environments.
This means previously effective embedded SWFs will no longer be able to receive data from FileMaker Server via a socket connection.
Flash Player has required the presence of socket policy files since the introduction of the feature within Flash Player. Flash Player 9,0,124,0 introduces two major changes to socket policy files. The first change is that Flash Player will require socket policy files for all sockets. In prior versions of Flash Player, it was possible to connect to ports greater than 1024 if the SWF file was connecting to the same server from which it was hosted. The second change is the introduction of a centralized location for socket policy files that can host a socket master policy file.
Adobe has filed with IANA, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, to reserve port 843 for the purposes of serving socket policy files. By introducing a centralized location for socket policy files, Flash Player enables a system administrator to define what ports are available through one master policy that overrides any other policy file on the host. If Flash Player 9,0,124,0 cannot retrieve a master policy file from port 843, then it requests a socket policy file on the port where it is trying to connect. However, if a policy file is available from a service on TCP port 843, then Flash Player considers that to be the authoritative set of permissions for that system.
The fix involves creating a “Socket Policy File” and running it on the server that hosts FileMaker.
For more information on this see: ADOBE SUPPORT
However even if you do not use a socket connection for your application, you may still be experiencing issues with “CROSS DOMAIN” policies.
n 2003, Flash Player 7 software introduced a channel of client-server communication that was new to the web: direct cross-domain data loading, authorized by policy files. Before policy files, web content could only perform two-way communication with its own server, such as runtime configuration or transactions without page reloads. Policy files allowed servers to open up their data selectively to client content from other domains, or generally to content from anywhere. Since the introduction of policy files, domain boundaries have been less of a barrier for authors of rich Internet applications. Like most new technologies, policy files weren’t perfect when they were first introduced. After four years, the Internet security community has found two undesirable situations (described later in this article) that can arise from the existence of policy files. The basic premise of policy files remains valid, and Flash developers can continue to rely on policy files just as they have since Flash 6. To address the new concerns, however, Adobe is specifying some stricter rules for the use of policy files. Additionally, there are a number of improvements that make policy files more useful and usable. You can learn more about how to fix this situation here.
Understanding Flash’s new security restrictions will help you solve any suprise issues with your existing SWF based applications on your network.
Topics: Flash and FileMaker | No Comments »
Speaking at SeattleFMPUG
By admin | September 30, 2008
I will be speaking at Seattle FMPUG in October. For more information, click here.
Topics: FileMaker | No Comments »
Making a Case for FileMaker Pro
By admin | September 3, 2008
FileMaker Pro. Many of you have heard of it or may have worked with it, but did you know it has been in the marketplace for more than 20 years?
In that time, more than 13 million units of FileMaker software have been sold around the world. FileMaker enthusiasts include ALL of the top 50 universities in the U.S., the top 250 U.S. school districts, and 70 of the Fortune 100 companies.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Apple, Inc., FileMaker isn’t just for Mac users anymore! Cross-platform capabilities that run natively on both Mac and Windows platform make FileMaker the premium database software on the market today. It has muscled its way into IT infrastructures in all industries.
Currently on version 9.0, FileMaker underwent a massive database engine redesign in version 7. It allows for multiple “tables” to be combined into a single FileMaker file. This feature has cut down both development time and cost, and has brought forward some of the most powerful features in the product’s history.
Most notably, FileMaker now allows for up to 250 concurrent users via Server, full support for php Web integration and a partnership with the MySQL alliance that spawned a connection kit (called “ESS”), allowing for LIVE connections to data sources running MySQL, SQL Server and Oracle!
Imagine connecting to your organization’s SQL Server, Oracle and MySQL databases from one place, and using the information without additional programming. With FileMaker, you can! FileMaker Pro 9 creates secure easy one-way or two-way connections to External SQL Data Sources. The SQL data acts just like FileMaker data. Create custom reports, add calculations and other fields, build relationships with existing FileMaker data, using the easy-to-use tools of FileMaker Pro.
There are new layout objects that allow you to do everything from automatically resizing your layouts to embedding FULL web viewing functionality into your existing FileMaker database layouts.
With the PHP features of the FileMaker Server, you can publish information to external websites, gather information from Web users, and create new solutions combining a Web-based front-end with a rich, FileMaker Pro back-end. Support for popular open source Web standards PHP and XSLT means you and your Web developer will be reading and writing live FileMaker Pro data in no time.
All these reasons support FileMaker Pro as the #1 best-selling standalone database for both Macintosh and Windows.
When business professionals outgrow spreadsheets, they depend on FileMaker products. Customizing, creating, and sharing easy-to-use software solutions is quick and easy. FileMaker is powerful enough to integrate with corporate data environments, share on the web, and evolve with your needs.
Topics: FileMaker | 1 Comment »
Sessions Files from Creative Transitions Conference
By admin | August 12, 2008
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CTC Session Files
Conference: Creative Transitions Conference
For the database designer looking to create state of the art dynamic solutions for his customers, the combination of Flash and Filemaker offers a compelling combination. In this stimulating presentation, you’ll see a variety of applications presented and deconstructed to show you how dynamic data can be communicated and integrated between Flash and Filemaker to present stunning interface solutions to enhance Web, standalone and networked apps.
If you are interested in an expanded DVD version of this
article, please visit:
“Integrating Flash and FileMaker Extended DVD”
Topics: Flash and FileMaker | No Comments »
FileMaker and Flash Integration DVD
By admin | August 11, 2008
For more information on how to integrate FileMaker (8.x and higher) and Flash , check out this DVD from lynda.com:

Topics: FileMaker | No Comments »
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