I actually began my consulting business many years ago setting up FileMaker databases for clients. Back then I would have definitely considered myself to be a power user. I looked at each client's needs as a challenge on how I could not only solve their problems with FileMaker Pro, but also automate as much of their workflow as possible. While I'm no longer a consultant, I'm still a FileMaker Pro user and I use it to manage my non-profit organization MacGroup-Detroit, Inc. The database I built years ago still gets the job done. It's in need a face lift and I'm sure I can take advantage of some of the new features that have been added to FileMaker Pro over the years, but I haven't really needed to fix it up because it just works!
Now I can access my database on my iOS devices
FileMaker Go comes in two flavors. There's an iPad version and an iPhone/iPod touch version. I opted for the iPad version simply because it makes more sense to do this kind of work on the larger iPad screen. However, make no mistake about it, if you need FileMaker Pro database access on your iPhone or iPod touch, there's an App for that too! While I've been anticipating this app for some time now, I'm actually glad that they (FileMaker, Inc.) didn't rush it. FileMaker Go is AMAZING! From the moment I launched it on my iPad, I knew then that this was going to be a great App. I love it when a developer pays attention to detail. For example, when you launch it you'll have the local databases (the ones actually installed on your iPad) on the left and any FileMaker Pro databases running on the network on the right. Since I figured that installing my database on the iPad would probably work just fine (just like the Bento app), I was more interested in the networking abilities. So I fired up my FileMaker Pro database on one of my Mac desktop computers and then went to the iPad. The iPad (FileMaker Go) saw it right away and was able to open it wirelessly without any problems.
I can do everything I need
If you were to ask me what would I expect to be able to do with an iPad version of FileMaker Pro? I would say that I want to be able to add records, find records, edit records, delete records and switch layouts. FileMaker Go not only does these things, but the UI (user interface) is well thought out. I can see this App along with the iPad being an inventory, order taker, evaluator, or administrative assistant's dream come true. Of course there are lots of other use cases too, but those immediately came to mind. For anyone that needs to access THEIR data in the palm of their hand, I can't think of a better solution. FileMaker Go is not for new database creation. You're better off building the databases on your computer anyway.
What about the price?: The price of the iPad version is $39.99 and while that will put some of you into sticker shock, it's really not bad when you consider the possibilities and target (business) market. The iPhone/iPod touch version is only $19.99. My only wish is that for those willing to pay the $39.99 for the iPad version, it should be a + (plus) App that runs both on iPads and iPhones. That would feel more fair to me. As it stands now if you want to run this on both an iPad and iPhone, you would have to either buy both, or buy the iPhone version and not take advantage of the iPad's native size. Otherwise, I don't have any issues with the prices being charged. You either need this kind of app or you don't and if you're just a consumer (not a business user), then you're probably better suited with the Bento App.
The Bottom Line
Other than a couple of minor layout glitches in my database, FileMaker Go did a phenomenal job representing my exact FileMaker Pro layouts on my iPad. I found the App easy to use and there really isn't anything I can think of that I would ask for. I know that some of you are going to be upset because there is no printing. However, that's not a limitation of the App, it's a limitation of the iOS. Although an Export/Print to PDF would be nice. At least that way you could share a report more easily on the go. If you're a business user or you deploy FileMaker Pro Apps, this is a must have for you and your clients!
You can get FileMaker Go for iPad here from the 
You can get FileMaker Go for iPhone/iPod touch here from the
FileMaker Go
FileMaker Go for iPad lets you take FileMaker Pro databases with you or access shared networked databases on your iPad
- FileMaker, Inc.
- Get on App Store
- $39.99
All info was collected on 22nd July, 2010 when the app was reviewed.
About Terry White
Terry is the co-author of The Best Selling "The iPhone Book" 1st, 2nd and 3rd editions. He has been active in the industry for over 25 years and is the founder and president of MacGroup-Detroit, Inc., Michigan's largest Macintosh Users Group, host of the Adobe Creative Suite Podcast and a technology writer - Terry White Tech Blog.
One question that I have yet to see addressed, does FileMaker to Go allow me to run the custom runtimes that I have created? I would really like to deploy some of my custom solutions. I can see this would be great for accessing the many databases I have created for myself, but I would really like to be able to deploy runtime apps that I create for some clients.
Is that coming to an iPad soon?
My dream would be able to build an iPad runtime from inside FileMaker Advanced.
You know thats all great but what it needs to be a real solution is a seamless sync operation so that you can work off line and when back in service area the records sync and for that matter Filemaker should have that feature as well. But I am sure they have it finished and waiting to release in FM27 or something. I love Filemaker but they are sure good at getting more money from me every year.