Database Reference
In-Depth Information
TIP
A VLA gives you special incentives when you buy multiple copies of FileMaker. One license code
works for all your seats, and discounts start at five copies. You can add seats whenever you need
them, and all new VLAs include 1 year of maintenance (which entitles you to a free upgrade if a
new version is released during the maintenance period).
Developer Programs
FileMaker runs two programs to help developers keep in touch with one another, and with
FileMaker, Inc., itself.
The FileMaker Technical Network
The FileMaker Technical Network (
www.filemaker.com/technet
) is free to join, but you have
to create an account. TechNet gets you access to an email discussion forum (called Tech
Talk) crawling with FileMaker experts swapping ideas and helping one another. You also get
access to exclusive technical white papers and how-to articles on important FileMaker topics.
Best of all, if you're a member you get early review of unreleased software, a download copy
of the FileMaker Training Series, and a development license for FileMaker Server Advanced
for $99 per year. The development license is limited to three connections and is not meant to
be used for production databases, but it's still a bargain since the retail version costs $2,999!
FileMaker Business Alliance (FBA)
If you're a professional FileMaker developer (meaning you build FileMaker databases for
other companies for pay), you may qualify to join the FileMaker Business Alliance (FBA) as
well. In addition to online discussions, technical info, and free software, FBA members get
outstanding software perks. You can purchase FileMaker products for your own use (or your
company's use) at deep discounts. You can also get discount pricing on FileMaker products,
which you can then resell to your customers. FBA members (along with their products and
services) are listed on FileMaker's website and in the Resource Guide. Membership requires
approval and costs $499 per year. Find out more at
www.filemaker.com/fba
.
DevCon
For total FileMaker immersion, the annual Developer's Conference (DevCon) is the way to
go. Each day you can attend as many as five sessions on about 30 different topics, ranging
from running a FileMaker consulting firm to web publishing, so you're sure to come away
from the 3-day conference with a brain-pan full of new ideas. For details, see
