4D 2004.7 r3 and 4D v11 SQL (4D)

Power and flexibility (excellent for complex RDBMS). Free distribution of solutions with Runtime Classic but limited distribution with 4D Engine (4D Inc. seems to change its licensing strategy often, so you may want to double check this). When FileMaker cannot cope anymore, 4D is the usual next step, although, unfortunately, for financial and time reasons, it should often be the first. 4D has its own programming language, which is very "Pascal-like".

Bentō 1.0.2 (FileMaker)

Bento is FileMaker’s personal database management system. Certainly not as powerful as FileMaker (for scripting and general data management and manipulation), Bentō has the advantage of being esthetically very attractive (and actually using the Mac’s interface, i.e., it is fully Aqua) and simple. It is one of these databases that can bridge the gap between spreadsheet users and database users. With this simple database, you can avoid spreadsheet overuse (e.g., for management of lists). Well done FileMaker!

FileMaker 9.0.3 (FileMaker)

1. ‣Pro  9.0.3
   

2. ‣Advanced  9.0.3
   

3. ‣Server and Server Advanced 9.0
   

4. ‣Mobile 8.0.1: FileMaker cancelled the development of Mobile.
   

FileMaker does not really need an introduction. If you know the Mac and go beyond work with word processors and spreadsheets, you likely, at least, know about it. FileMaker is powerful but certainly not industrial-strength database (e.g., Omnis) and certainly cannot compare to databases that have their own programming language (e.g., 4D). Despite that, many projects, if not most, are better done with FileMaker than the more complex alternatives. If you are thinking of distributing your final product, FileMaker Developer offers an option often associated with more sophisticated development environments: Free, unlimited distribution of solutions. The FileMaker line of products is competing seriously against the Windows-only Microsoft Access database on the market. It is powerful yet easy and requires, at most, some scripting from FileMaker's own script. FileMaker is surprisingly powerful for a database that does not require programming. Numerous sites and publications offer tips and tricks on scripting, but be warned, if you program, you will find that many scripting solutions are real acrobatics, easily done in one or two lines of code in 4D, for example.

Related sites:

1. •FileMaker Advisor
   

2. •FileMaker Magazine (ISO)
   

3. •FileMaker NewsWire
   

4. •FileMaker World
   

5. •FMPro.org
   

Charting plug-ins for FileMaker:

1. •øAzium Charts 2.0.5 (Waves in Motion)
   

2. •xmCHART 3.3.1 (X2max Software)
   

3. •Chart Maker Pro 7 (Brian Dunning)
   

4. •FusionChart Free and FusionChart Pro (Insoft Global)
   

FrontBase 4.2.3 (FrontBase Inc.)

A famous commercial implementation of SQL.

Helix 6.0.1 (QSA ToolWorks)

From the site: "Helix is a family of software development tools allowing the rapid development, deployment and management of applications for individuals and groups of users across both local and wide area networks. Helix RADE (Rapid Application Development Environment) is a powerful, visual tool for programming relational databases and generating applications that use those databases. This visual nature makes creating complex solutions fast and intuitive. Originally created for the Macintosh in 1983, Helix is currently embarked on a program to bring its unique development methodology to the OS X, Linux and Windows platforms."

MacSQL 3.1b19 (Runtime Labs): Web site de-activated.

Mimer SQL (Mimer Information Technology AB)

From the site: "...Mimer SQL on Mac OS X is a high performance, zero maintenance database built on international SQL standards for mission critical applications".

MySQL 5.0.51a / 6 (MySQL AB); (Other distributor: Server Logistics)

Free implementations of the famous open source database.

OMNIS Studio 4.3.1 (Raining Data)

Formerly Blyth Software. Industrial strength database programming/client-server application. Licensing system for distribution of solutions to clients. OMNIS is a very powerful and idiosyncratic system.

OpenBase SQL 10.0.6 (OPENBASE International)

A famous commercial implementation of SQL.

Panorama V 5.5 (Provue)

Panorama is cross-platform (Windows / Macintosh) and is the database that "thinks it is a spreadsheet". Actually, it acts like a spreadsheet with a database functionality. Seems to be great for data manipulation and fine for data visualisation with sufficient RAM.

PostgreSQL 8.3.1 (PostgreSQL Global Development Group)

Free implementations of the famous open source database.

Valentina Studio 3.5.2 (Paradigma Software)

Valentina offer as Valentina Server, so application development kits (ADK’s) for such MAC languages/IDEs as X CODE (C++ and Objective-C), REALbasic, Revolution, PHP, Ruby.

From the site: “Get the most advanced object-relational database system available for serving any kind of data. Based on advanced database research begun in 1993, Valentina serves millions of records securely and incredibly fast. Find out why Japanese corporations to USA public schools run Valentina.”

MORE:

Other database systems currently running on OS X:

1. •DEVONthink Personal 1.9.8 and DEVONthink Pro and Office 1.3.2 (DEVONtechnologies): Fantastic database (Personal and Professional versions available) for storing and organizing texts, images, PDF, HTML, XML and web links. It integrates beautifully with DEVONagent 2.0.3, a surprisingly powerful and intelligent search engine for the web.
   

2. •iData 3.0.22 is great for a quick filing of any kind of information.
   

3. •iList Data 3.5 and iList Studio 3.2.1 (Lakewood Studios).
   

Database Tools:

1. •The Lasso 8.5.2 line of products (Professional and Studio) is worth a mention as it is often considered an essential tool for FileMaker users working on the Web. The Lasso line was recently acquired by OmniPilot Software.
   

2. •On-Target Reports 4.2.3 (On-Target Reports Inc.); Formerly db Reports