The benefits of upgrading to FileMaker 16: comparison with previous versions
Ben Fletcher • 15 May 2017
FileMaker 16 launched with a plethora of new features that streamline developing new solutions, but what are the benefits of upgrading if you are currently using an older version of FileMaker? Below we highlight when some of the key differences in features were introduced between FileMaker v13, v14, v15 and now v16 releases.
Using a version of FileMaker older than v13? Call our team to find out more about the benefits from upgrading that you have been missing out on!
Feature & Benefits | FileMaker v13 |
FileMaker v14 |
FileMaker v15 |
FileMaker v16 |
New layout & design tools | No | No | Yes | Enhanced Card interface overlays |
New Script Workspace | No | No | Yes | Enhanced Live calculations preview |
Enhanced Security
Support for 256-bit AES encryption |
No | No | Yes | Yes |
Enhanced Security
Support for iOS Touch ID |
No | No | Yes | Yes |
Enhanced Security
Support for OAuth 2.0 |
No | No | No | Yes |
WebDirect
Breakthrough web technology for data access anywhere. |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Enhanced Supports up to 500 users. |
Build for iPad & iPhone
Additional support for native iOS behaviours. |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Enhanced App interface transitions |
FM Cloud
Access solutions hosted on FM Cloud |
No | No | Yes | Yes |

The Claris FileMaker Server 21.1.4 update is now available and includes important fixes that address known issues from previous versions: Key Fixes 1. Field definitions incorrectly read from cache. A bug introduced in version 21.0 caused field definitions to be incorrectly cached, resulting in symptoms such as: Empty related fields Missing value lists and indexes “Insufficient privileges (error -9)” messages 2. Windows only: Server-side script sessions limited by CPU cores. Version 21.1.3 limited simultaneous server-side script sessions to the number of CPU cores on Windows. This impacted I/O-bound environments by unnecessarily queuing sessions. 21.1.4 resolves this by allowing up to 50 concurrent script sessions on Windows before queueing begins—regardless of CPU cores. These sessions may be triggered by schedules, OData, or Perform Script on Server (PSoS). Note: This behavior is not controlled by the AllowPSoS setting. Claris Recommends: To ensure system stability, it is advised to limit active clients to 40 - 45 simultaneous sessions. Exceeding 50 may result in delays, memory overload, or session hangs. Do you need assistance with upgrading? DataTherapy are pleased to announce that Claris FileMaker 2024 (version 21.1) managed private cloud hosting packages are immediately available. DataTherapy can provide scalable, managed FileMaker packages for businesses of all size. Full details of all of our packages can be found here . We can offer a range of a variety of enhanced options such as domain management, custom SSL certificates, VPN, VLAN, disaster recovery and integration with other technologies. If you need additional information on upgrading to the new release, advise on how to migrate your current on-premises FileMaker Server to the cloud, or would like to arrange a free trial of any of our packages then please don’t hesitate to contact our team .

Using Microsoft Excel for workflows and complex data management instead of a dedicated database presents several inherent problems. These issues stem from Excel’s limitations in scalability, data integrity, collaboration, automation, and security. Below is a detailed breakdown of these challenges and how a custom Claris FileMaker App can meet these challenges . . .