External SQL Data Sources (ESS)
Create live, two-way connections to external data.
What is ESS?
FileMaker Pro creates secure two-way connections to External SQL Data Sources (ESS) such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle and MySQL. Simply add a SQL table or view to the FileMaker Relationship Graph and get a live connection to the external SQL data source. You can treat the SQL data just like you would FileMaker data. Create custom reports, add calculations and other fields or build relationships with existing FileMaker data.
You don't have to know how to write SQL queries or have any SQL programming skills to use ESS. Create new information by adding supplemental calculation and summary fields to the SQL table in FileMaker. Run finds, sorts and exports on the table. Even use the values in scripts. It's easy because it's FileMaker Pro.
Use SQL information to create name badges or shipping labels.
Track requisitions and purchase orders. Develop a visual catalogue of
inventory and assets. Everything that FileMaker Pro can do – now you
can do with data from SQL.
NEW! In FileMaker Pro 12 you can repoint your ESS connection to a different SQL database for your development and testing needs.
ESS for IT Administrators
If you are an administrator for a SQL database, you know the constant demand for ad-hoc data pulls and custom solutions. Simply provide the knowledge workers in your organisation with access to your SQL views or tables. FileMaker Pro utilises standard system-level DSNs and allows you to set restrictions to data access (read only or read/write) for security purposes.
Supported data sources
FileMaker Pro 12 supports the latest certified SQL data sources including:
| SQL Server 2008 R2 | Oracle 11g Release 1 |
| SQL Server 2008 SP2 | Oracle 11g Release 2 |
| SQL Server 2005 SP3 | Oracle 10g Release 2 |
| MySQL 5.1 |
ESS also allows you to connect to remote FileMaker Pro databases, creating a "one source" tool for bringing all your critical data together.
More information on ESS
- Get more technical information including a technical brief on how ESS works.
- View an on-demand web seminar to explore the range of uses and integration possibilities for ESS.
Next Steps
- Compare FileMaker Pro and Pro Advanced.
- View in-depth web seminars.
- Hear what customers are saying.
- See all features since FileMaker Pro 6.
- Get volume discounts for groups of 5+.
- Top questions to ask before you buy.
Follow FileMaker on Twitter