Like most FileMaker users, we were excited to learn about the release of FileMaker Go for the iPhone and iPad. It promises to offer a new level of flexibility in connecting with your data that many of us have been looking forward to for a long time. FileMaker has done a very nice job with this product.

It's very cool to see our databases running quite nicely on the smaller screens of our favorite i devices. However, it is important to remember that FileMaker Go does not have the full functionality of FileMaker Pro, and may not reliably handle some of the scripts or user interactions in some of the more sophisticated FileMaker based systems. We are also finding that some layouts do not look or feel right on the smaller dimensions of the iPhone and iPad screens, though most do look pretty good. It's good to know this up front so that you aren't surprised if something doesn't work as you expect it to.

A public service warning: Do not use FileMaker Go to play with your Proof production database until it has been thoroughly tested. Some scripts may not behave properly and you run the risk of data loss.

Knowing this to be the case, Proof is actively embracing this opportunity to design functionality for our systems that will take advantage of the key strength of FileMaker Go - robust mobile access to your data. We see tremendous possibilities for admission officers on the road, advancement officers heading to meet with a potential donor, teachers taking attendance or nurses checking in on patients.

In fact, the first examples of Proof developed, FileMaker Go optimized interface can be seen now:

Proof and FileMaker Go from The Proof Group on Vimeo.