If you are in a multi-platform environment you don't have much of a choice.
Access is on the Windows platform only.

We are running Filemaker Pro Unlimited (we do a lot of Web-based stuff) on
a Dell server. Both Macs and PCs can work on the same file without any
problem at all. I have found inserting media is a LOT easier in Filemaker
than in Access.

Also, consider the level of experience with your users. FM Pro is much more
intuitive.  I have been working in both fm Pro and Access on different
projects, and FM Pro is still easier to me.

My major problem with FM Pro is cost. A single user for academic or non
profit is reasonably priced. As soon as you start serving pages out on the
Web or creating  even a moderately sized multi-user environment, then FM
Pro Unlimited and FM Pro server can start costing a lot of money.

John

At 02:43 PM 8/28/2001 -0700, you wrote:
>Well, I've had this nagging issue in my mind with all
>the answers about FileMaker Pro as being the wizbang
>for museum databases.  Back when I used it, it was Mac
>only.  I went to the source
>http://www.filemaker.com/index.html and learned that
>FileMaker can now be used on multiple platforms.  Back
>when, it was a good product, and I'm sure it probably
>still is, though there is much to be said about the
>power of Microsoft's Access.
>
>With that said, my curiousity has been piqued.  Is
>there a bias in the museum world with respect to type
>of computer system?  Are more of you (and if yes, I
>suspect it's more of the Art type museums) a Mac
>environment or a PC one?
>
>What operating systems are you using within that
>equipment?  Are you Windows, DOS, and/or Linux based?
>
>These may sound like nosey questions, but it's tough
>to recommend a database without knowing those two
>parameters.
>
>If cost is a consideration . . . and often it is . . .
>there's a good chance you may be operating outdated
>equipment.  It could get really frustrating trying to
>make a silk purse out of a sow's ear when it comes to
>puters, so I'm wondering how your equipment and
>operating systems factor into your database scenarios.
>
>Further, are you operating freestanding or on LANs?
>Will you have to share this database with others in
>your organization, and what documentation are you
>creating as a users manual in case you up and leave?
>
>It wasn't that long ago I was doing some database work
>(nothing super fancy). Fact is, I've trained on and/or
>used about three or four different types. The biggest
>problem about a database is trying to correct it if
>you just start out willy nilly and think you're going
>to design some great system without planning.  That
>usually means consulting with others to make sure the
>needs of many are incorporate in the one document
>before you start to build it.
>
>I think, as I'm working this out here, there OUGHT to
>be some sort of a standard database for the museum
>world that is widely accepted as the template of
>choice, kind of like Raisers Edge (Blackbaud) often is
>on the fundraising side of it.
>
>What am I missing in this picture?  It seems to me
>that each of you is having to design your own instead
>of relying on a standard and making modifications for
>subtle nuances to your system.
>
>Seems to me this would be a good venture for an
>entrepreneur.
>
>
>
>=====
>Indigo Nights
>[log in to unmask]
>

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
John Chadwick, Ed.D.
Sr. Web Developer/educational technology specialist
Arizona K-12 Center
Northern Arizona University -- Central Phoenix Office
2715 N. Third Street, Suite 210
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
http://azk12.nau.edu
602-728-9522 or direct line: 602-776-4608

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