Planning your upgrade to Claris FileMaker 2023 platform

Ben Fletcher • Jun 06, 2023

Claris FileMaker 2023 is the ultimate platform for custom app creation. Given its advanced features and capabilities, it's the platform of choice for those seeking to start fresh building a new custom business app. However, if you're thinking about upgrading from an older Claris FileMaker version, preparation is key, and that's where we come in.


This brief guide outlines the major points of consideration when upgrading. However, don't worry if these technicalities overwhelm you - our expert consulting team is just a click away, ready to guide you through any concerns.


The Upgrade Process: Claris FileMaker v12-v19 (.fmp12 format)

The good news: versions 12-19 share the same file format as the 2023 version, making upgrades a breeze. However, certain interface changes might require user adaptation if build prior to FileMaker 16.  For example, if your users utilize the footer bar for zoom control, view mode changes, or status bar display, they'll have to adjust to using the upper status bar and application menus. If that's a challenge, our consultants can assist with incorporating zoom control into your interface layouts.


One caveat is that while it's possible to use legacy machines to connect to FileMaker Server 2023, we advise against it. Mixing client versions can prevent you from leveraging the full benefits of the FileMaker 2023 feature set. For maximum security and optimal performance, make sure both the server and all users are on the latest software version and patch.


Claris have compiled a handy checklist of deprecated features in Claris FileMaker 2023, so make sure to verify if these impact your usage:

https://support.claris.com/s/article/Deprecated-and-removed-features-in-Claris-FileMaker-Pro-2023?language=en_US


Revamping Your Legacy Systems: Claris FileMaker v11-6 (.fp7 & .fp5 format) or earlier

Older versions of FileMaker are a testament to the platform's longevity. However, they do come with unique challenges, including the impossibility of direct conversion using FileMaker 2023. Don't worry, we're equipped to handle these issues and are ready to bring your vintage database files into the present.


We recommend considering a fresh start. The latest Claris FileMaker boasts myriad features that can significantly boost your business operations. Remember: upgrading isn't merely about maintaining the status quo—it's about embracing innovation and driving your business forward.


If you want to do the minimum possible work to convert your files into the v2023 format then look at our previous guide for FileMaker Pro 19:

https://www.datatherapy.com/news/2020/6/5/planning-your-upgrade-to-claris-filemaker-19-platform


General Upgrade Considerations: Let's Get Practical

No matter your current version, our team can assist you through the upgrade process, even if your app involves complex dependencies, such as integrations with legacy software or plugins. Note that most plugins will require updates (sometimes paid) to ensure compatibility with FileMaker 2023.


We encourage you to consider the future-proofing benefits of a 'cloud-first' mindset. Older systems may not have been built with this in mind, but the modern FileMaker platform has been designed to seamlessly integrate with other cloud solutions.


Ultimately, we believe that your software should work for you, not the other way around. That's why we're committed to ensuring your upgrade is more than a simple technical exercise—it's a strategic move that aligns with your business' evolution. If you're ready to harness the power of the modern, interconnected, and dynamic Claris FileMaker 2023, get in touch with us today. We're here to help you achieve your business goals.

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The new Claris Platform represents the latest evolution of the venerable Claris FileMaker Platform. While the FileMaker Platform is a powerful and flexible toolset, it was originally launched in 1985 and conceived to solve the data problems of that era - predating much of the modern internet staples that we are familiar with today like pervasive broadband, mobile computing and cloud services. While an impressive number of new features have been added to the FileMaker platform to modernise it over the years, there were always going to be some areas where it was not an optimal solution given the need to maintain compatibility with previous releases. The new Claris Platform focuses on offering a new approach to building unified, hybrid apps with a more cloud native approach. Central to this new offering is Claris Studio, a web-based tool for building online web forms, dynamic charts, dashboards and task trackers (see https://www.claris.com/studio/ ). Historically, these are all areas that the FileMaker platform has served poorly out of the box, or has required substantial developer effort utilising 3rd party plugins or integration with other apps and cloud services to work around. The new Claris Platform bundle therefore significantly extents what would be possible with FileMaker alone. I t is well worth looking at these Claris Youtube videos exploring the new platform https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkvKnBkQSCeTE1hT4FJkCJ_foOOq_DBIe However, Claris Studio does not integrate with classic FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server - instead it works with Claris Pro and Claris Server. In order to get Claris Studio to market and in the hands of developers as quickly as possible, Claris have had to make some compromises and so narrowed their initial platform support and features. This means that while Claris Pro and Claris Server have most of the core features of FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server there are some important differences - while the new Claris platform is an excellent fit for most new development projects, it is not yet a 'no-brainer' upgrade for existing FileMaker customers that are reliant on some of the older features which are not yet present in the new platform. Two deciding limitations for many existing FileMaker customers are that: 1) Claris Server only currently runs on the Linux platform - there is no support for running on macOS or Windows servers currently. 2) By design the new Claris Platform needs internet access in order to integrate with Claris Studio and so cannot be 'LAN locked' which may be the case for certain FileMaker solutions due to strict security as can be found in healthcare environments or with very high performance solutions such as video environments. If you don't have expertise in deploying Linux servers or moving from a LAN to cloud environment then this can be mitigated as it is perfectly possible to get a 3rd party managed private cloud hosting. This is exactly the service that DataTherapy can provide - see https://datatherapy.host/pricing for more details. Contact our team if you are interested in a demo of the new Claris Platform offering and a FREE initial consultation about how to migrate from from your existing FileMaker based solution in order to take advantage of the new Claris Studio features.

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