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How To Update an Existing Add-On While Preserving Data

Screenshot from within layout mode of a FileMaker file, showing the dialog for installing new add-ons or choosing existing ones.
We recently released an updated version of our free FileMaker logging add-on, available in the Claris Marketplace, and some of you had questions about updating your existing add-on. You wondered if you needed to completely remove the first version before installing the second. And you wondered how you would protect your data during that process. So we put together this outline to assist. Read more
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FileMaker Go Makes Real-Time Field Operations a Robust Reality

Graphic depicting Claris FileMaker Pro in use across desktop, iPad, and mobile
We have been working with NVL Laboratories in Seattle for over a decade, supporting their complex FileMaker solution used to manage workflows surrounding their core business of environmental laboratory testing. We were tasked with developing a mobile solution to help their field services team increase efficiencies, speed turnaround times, and improve chain of custody management. This case study delves into the development and deployment of this solution using FileMaker Go, focusing on the implementation of three distinct user interfaces - desktop, iPads, and mobile phones - and the successful integration of iPads into real-time field operations. Read more
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Join Us in Welcoming Mike Ross to the Portage Bay Team

Photo of a miniature red bike horn, overlaid across a blackboard background, with the word News in white, repeating across the backdrop.
Many of you have known Mike Ross, founder of Ross Digital, LLC, for many years and are aware of his expertise as a FileMaker developer and his likability as a person. We’re delighted to announce that he has now joined the Portage Bay Solutions team! Read more
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Key Benefits of Modernizing Your Very Old FileMaker Solution

Photo of a modernized FileMaker solution being used on a laptop and large monitor.
We recently enjoyed the opportunity to help one of our clients, a landscape architecture firm, navigate the complex process of upgrading their FileMaker database from an antiquated FileMaker 5.5 platform to the modern FileMaker 2024.Here’s a closer look at their journey, challenges, and successes of updating their old FileMaker system. Read more
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Boost Performance by Transferring FileMaker Containers to Amazon S3

Logos of Claris FileMaker and Amazon S3 on a blue background.
We recently migrated two FileMaker solutions from internally stored containers to AWS S3 cloud storage, so naturally, we thought to document the experience for others who might be considering the same option. As one would expect, there were a few unknowns going into this project, so our goal with this article is to provide some pointers and documentation for future reference. Read more
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Make Gains with a Professional Third-Party Software Evaluation

Photo of three smiley faces on yellow paper - one said, one neutral, one happy. With the happy face highlighted by a magnifying glass.
If you already use  FileMaker Pro and the Claris platform for managing your custom database and workflow automation, you are aware of the key role it plays in making your processes more efficient and your firm more profitable.  To ensure it operates at peak performance, however, a professional third-party evaluation can be invaluable. This article discusses the process we use for this kind of evaluation, which will hopefully shed some light on this valuable endeavor. Read more
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