07/26/2010 - When the Apple iPhone was released to the world in 2007, we FileMaker developers immediately saw an ideal platform for FileMaker Pro. A third-party solution was released that allowed users to put their databases on the iPhone, but the solution wasn't simple for use, and had limitations that discouraged me from recommending it to my clients or implementing in any solutions.



07/25/2010 - My son Steven and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Europe. We were in London for 5 days, during which we took a day trip down to see Stonehenge, Glastonbury (where legends say that King Arthur lived), and Avebury. From London we took the high-speed train under the English Channel to Paris, where we stayed another 5 days, during which we took a day trip to Normandy to see the D-Day landing beaches and surrounding area. All in all, it was a great trip and a wonderful experience for my son and me.

This was also my first extended trip with my Apple iPad; I’ve taken some short business trips, but nothing this long or challenging fo Internet connections. I learned some valuable lessons about international travel with the iPad and iPhone, which I will share here.



07/03/2010 - Recently I had occasion to look for an air-conditioning installer, and was faced with the challenge of finding the perfect combination of price, reliability, reputation, and speed.

I've been using the same company for about 6 years; they have lots of trucks, a squad of repairmen and installers, but I know that I pay a large premium for the availability. I consider their expertise, my experiences with them to this point, and I now question whether the extra money I've paid has actually been worth it.

I've been giving some thought lately to what clients really want from consultants. As an extension to this line of thought, I've also come up with a list of what experience has taught me to be the most important qualifications to a successful developer.



04/24/2010 - I recently tried out Tony White's excellent ScriptBuildingBlocks tool for FileMaker, and was immediately hooked on the new abilities it offers to FileMaker developers who work on the Mac platform.

ScriptBuildingBlocks is a tool that allows its users to instantly insert sets of script steps into the script editor. The utility comes with 14 prebuilt templates, but I quickly learned how to add my own and edit the existing templates. Included in the SBB set are shortcuts for creating script steps for common structures like IF-ELSE IF-ELSE-END IF, LOOP-END LOOP, LOOP PORTAL-END LOOP, set variable to get(scriptParameter), and many more. There are also some shortcuts for adding comments, a date-stamped comment, and others.



04/15/2010 - Friends and clients know that for the past 6 months I’ve been frantically building a database solution for a new museum attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The second of their museums, Titanic Pigeon Forge is a wonderful tourist destination for families; as a longtime fan of Titanic lore, I found it intriguing and captivating.

Database Design & Development

Longterm Solutions can design a database for you, geared to your needs and as flexible as you require for your business or personal use.

Longterm Solutions Founder and President Bob Patin is a FileMaker 9 and 10 Certified Developer, and is dedicated to constantly refining and improving his FileMaker skills .

Using FileMaker Pro 10 for current database projects, our solutions are totally cross-platform, designed to look excellent either in Windows or Mac OS X.

Databases hosted on our servers can be used by multiple users in an office environment, while serving double duty as the engine for a powerful web solution like a shopping cart, registration system, or information system. Changes made in the database either from the web or by a user logged in with FileMaker will be displayed immediately in all environments, displaying fresh data immediately to both web and remote users.

Services we provide include:

  • Database development from the ground up or using an existing database
  • Development can be done for either PC or Mac platform, and can be cross-platform if required
  • Databases are implemented using FileMaker Pro version 10, which is cross-platform and easily ported from Mac to PC or vice-versa. We can also develop using earlier versions of FileMaker if it is requested.
  • All solutions can be password-protected and encrypted if necessary
  • Longterm Solutions can provide on-site installation and support, as well as rapid Internet update services
  • Databases can be integrated into your web site for access by co-workers or by visitors to your public site

Consulting

Longterm Solutions will provide either on-site or in-office consulting on any computer or Internet-related issues; our standard hourly fees apply. View current fees

Using Databases on your Website

Longterm Solutions can also make it possible for you to have online databases for your web site needs. We write solutions using both FX.php and the FileMaker API.

We will be happy to provide references and samples of existing solutions. For information and pricing, please contact us.