FileMaker Inc, previously known as Claris Corp, won’t comment on rumors about the next version of the FileMaker database, which it claims is now the second-largest PC database software product (behind Microsoft Corp’s SQLServer), and the leader in Macintosh databases. FileMaker Pro 5.0 could emerge at the company’s developer conference in San Diego next month, and is likely to include XML and Java capabilities.
The current version, 4.1, added ODBC driver support and web publishing capabilities and has a retail price of around $1,000. FileMaker claims to have distributed over 4 million units of software. Although there was talk last year of the company gaining its independence from Apple Computer Inc, it is currently still operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary. The developer conference begins August 24.
