The benefits of upgrading to FileMaker 18 Platform – comparison with previous versions

Ben Fletcher • 23 May 2019

FileMaker 18 has launched with a range of new features that will undoubtedly make developing new custom apps both quicker and more powerful, but what are the benefits of upgrading if you are currently using an older version of the FileMaker platform?

Using a version of FileMaker older than v15? In that case there are even more good reasons to upgrade - contact our team to find out more about the benefits from upgrading that you have been missing out on!

Highlighted below are some of the key differences in features were introduced between FileMaker v15, v16, v17 and now v18 releases

Feature & Benefits	FileMaker v15	FileMaker v16	FileMaker v17	FileMaker v18
High performance command line tool for rapid data migration	No	No	Yes	Yes
New layout & design tools	Yes	Enhanced Card interface overlays	Enhanced Card interface overlays, Master detail layouts.	Enhanced Card interface overlays, Master detail layouts & nudge objects with shift-arrow keys
New Script Workspace	Yes	Yes	Enhanced Live calculations preview	Enhanced Live calculations preview
Enhanced Security Support for OAuth 2.0	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
WebDirect Breakthrough web technology for data access anywhere.	Yes	Enhanced Supports up to 500 users.	Enhanced Supports up to 500 users.	Enhanced Supports up to 500 users.
Build for iPad & iPhone Additional support for native iOS behaviours.	Yes	Enhanced App interface transitions	Enhanced App interface transitions, Sensor support, Configure Local Notification, Auto-complete, Keyboard shortcuts, Drag & drop.	Enhanced App interface transitions, Sensor support, Configure Local Notification, Auto-complete, Keyboard shortcuts, Drag & drop. New SDK for latest iOS support.
FM Cloud Access solutions hosted on FM Cloud	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes/Updated (FileMaker Cloud for AWS 1.18)
FileMaker Data API	No	Trial only (expires 27th Sept 2018)	Yes	Yes

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Google Sheets vs. Claris FileMaker: Why Spreadsheets Aren’t Enough for Serious Business Applications in 2025

by Ben Fletcher • 29 April 2025

Still running your business on Google Sheets? Spreadsheets are great—until they start holding you back. If you’re managing complex processes, critical data, or multiple users through Google Sheets, it’s time to upgrade.

Claris FileMaker Server 21.1.4 Update now available

by Ben Fletcher • 25 April 2025

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 .

Microsoft Access is Holding Your Business Back – Here’s Why You Should Switch to Claris FileMaker in 2025

by Ben Fletcher • 16 April 2025

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 . . .