The Claris FileMaker platform has supported email integration since the release of FileMaker 6 in 2002. Over the decades, this feature has been a cornerstone for automating communication, enabling users to send emails through desktop applications or directly via SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). But as email technology has evolved, so have the challenges and opportunities for integration within FileMaker apps.

The Challenges of Legacy Email Integration

While SMTP has been a reliable standard for decades, it wasn’t originally designed with modern security or anti-abuse measures in mind. Today, with the dominance of cloud email providers like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, ensuring secure email delivery requires advanced protocols - as basic authentication is widely regarded as insecure and so has been deprecated (see this article on from Microsoft here).

Recognising this, Claris has stepped up. In FileMaker 2023 and FileMaker 2024, support for OAuth 2.0—a modern, secure authentication standard—was introduced. This allows seamless, secure email integration with popular services like Gmail and Microsoft Office 365, meeting the demands of today’s business environment.

Enhanced Email Integration Options for FileMaker Apps

The Claris FileMaker platform now offers multiple advanced methods to integrate email into your apps, catering to diverse business needs:

1. FileMaker 2024 Native Scripting

The venerable FileMaker 'Send Mail' script step now supports the option to send via Oauth 2.0 if you are using Microsoft Office 365 or Google's Gmail service, but with the standard limitation of only support plain text format emails. See this Claris Support article on configuring your Microsoft or Google environment to support this here.

SendGrid can be used as an interim solution as they still allow basic authentication for SMTP as well as authentication via more secure API.

2. FileMaker Plugins

Third-party plugins have long been a favourite tool for developers seeking enhanced email functionality quickly. Popular options include:

• CNS  SMTPit Pro and POP3it Pro Plugins.

•360Works Email Plugins

•MBS Plugin.

These plugins remain indispensable for businesses that need email functionality beyond what FileMaker offers out of the box.

3. Claris Connect

Claris Connect simplifies automation between FileMaker and other business apps. Its intuitive, no-code interface supports integration with popular email services like:

• Mailchimp: For email marketing campaigns.

• Microsoft Outlook: For seamless corporate communication.

• SendGrid: For reliable, large-scale email delivery.

Using Claris Connect, you can create automated workflows (“Flows”) that connect email services with other online tools, whether or not FileMaker is directly involved.

4. API Integrations

For custom needs, FileMaker’s robust scripting tools allow you to build your own API integrations. REST APIs are especially useful, enabling connections to virtually any cloud service. FileMaker 2024’s enhanced JSON support makes it easier than ever to manipulate and exchange data with web services.  For example, MessageBird provides flexible APIs backed by an AI-powered platform for Marketing, Support & Finance.

Best Practices for Modern Email Integration with Claris FileMaker

• Consolidate Email Scripts: Reduce script proliferation and centralize authentication and email queues for easier maintenance.

• Embrace OAuth 2.0: Future-proof your app by migrating from older and less secure SMTP authentication methods.

• Explore 3rd party integrations with Claris Connect and custom API support - don't try to reinvent the wheel, instead pick a best in class solution and then leverage automation to save your business time and money.

Why Work with DataTherapy?

DataTherapy has extensive experience helping businesses modernize their FileMaker apps for optimal email integration. Whether you’re migrating to OAuth 2.0, consolidating scripts, or exploring plugins and APIs, our team can help you unlock the full potential of your FileMaker system.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s transform how your business communicates!