Within the last year we converted from FileMakerPro to PastPerfect. In our
situation, we had several different FileMakerPro databases each on a
different computer, at the time our computers were not networked. We had
tried merging the databases and it was pretty much a mess; duplicated or
deleted records!! We are now networked, and had our many FileMakerPro
databases merged into PastPerfect located on a server. There were some
problems with this conversion, but over all very happy with the outcome and
our choice. So, keep in mind, it is not easy to just dump information from
one program into another. And, although we are networked, PastPerfect has a
Scatter/Gather upgrade one can buy so that if your computers are not
networked you can merge any new information entered on one computer onto
another computer. In addition to having a mess with merging FileMakerPro
Databases, I found you really need to have an expert in layouts and database
set up to use FileMakerPro.
Shannon
from generation to generation
The History Center in Tompkins County
Shannon Lindridge, Collections Manager
401 East State Street, Suite 100, Ithaca, NY 14850
607.273.8284 ext.7 (FAX) 607.273.6107
www.TheHistoryCenter.net <http://www.thehistorycenter.net/>
Please note my new email address: [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Joyce Cheney
Sent: Friday, February 04, 2005 8:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Collections database
What collections database software would you recommend for a small, brand
new, minimally funded museum with an all-volunteer staff? They have hundreds
of objects and no records at all. They also have big plans - to get many
more objects, staff, funds, etc etc., and they know they need a database.
Someone suggested using Excel for now and dumping the data into another
database later, when they have more skill, money, and need for it. What
"real" database programs can Excel "dump" into? OR, if should they use a
"real" database program right away, which one? Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thanks.
Joyce Cheney
Focus Communications
7280 Richmond Pl.
St. Louis, MO 63143
Phone 314-645-8012
Fax 314-645-1565
[log in to unmask]
=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:
The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message
to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help"
(without the quotes).
If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).
=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:
The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).
If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
|
