Our new website was launched this week. We’re still working on the content side of things and some additional functionality that will involve PHP and MySQL (we will be able to access these MySQL databases using the External SQL datasources feature of FileMaker Pro 9). Stayed tuned!
I’ve been working with some web services lately that require some XML data to be submitted as a POST. FileMaker Pro can import XML data from a .xml file or from an HTTP request (and use a XSLT stylesheet from a file or an HTTP request). However XML can only be exported to a .xml file which limits it’s usefullness when working with web services. I managed to workaround this using the Troi File Plugin and the Troi URL Plugin from Troi Automaterising (we’re big fans of the Troi plugins).
For one customer we exported the XML data using a stylesheet then read that .xml file back into the FileMaker solution using the Troi fil plugin. We then used the Troi URL plugin to POST that xml data directly to a web service. We then had to parse the XML that was returned and isolate a URL which we could then view using the Web Viewer. This all happens within a few seconds.
For the other customer the XML wasn’t particularly complicated so we crafted the XML using FileMaker calculations and posted that.
I’m a big fan of FileMaker Plugins and use them extensively in my solutions as they allow me to implement features that are not native to FileMaker Pro. I’ve spent some time lately with the zippScript plugin developed by John Kornhaus [Updated October 10 to remove the link to the zippTools website as John Kornhaus has advised he is no longer able to distribute the plugin). This is an event plugin that lets you trigger scripts based on certain contions, such as when exiting a field or committing a record. You can also schedule scripts to be run at certain times.
Another freeware plugin that I’ve started to look at is the MooPlug which has a number of handy functions and you can’t complain about the price.
FileMaker Inc have just announced that the certification test for FileMaker 9 is now available. I plan on attaining certification for FileMaker 9 as soon as possible to complement my certification in v8. I have my copy of the FileMaker Training Series which I will review before sitting for the test. Hopefully I can announce that I passed the test in the next few weeks!
I’ve spent some time over the past few weeks using the new External SQL Data Sources feature that is part of FileMaker Pro 9 and I have to say I’m pretty impressed. I’ve started using it internally to do something I’ve been dreaming of for many years – live integration (no import/export) between and internal FileMaker CRM system and an external web based SQL database. With work on my new website almost complete I’ve been building some MySQL databases for the usual tasks of feedback, product suggestions and other web based forms. In the past I would receive emails when these forms had been submitted and copy/paste into a FileMaker database. Now I can view these MySQL tables from within FileMaker Pro 9 at the office. I’m impressed with the speed and responsiveness so far and also how you can set this up on FileMaker Server 9 so you don’t have to worry about installing ODBC drivers on all the workstations.
If you’re getting started with ESS and FileMaker Pro 9 I would recommend the public ESS Tech Brief and if you’re a TechNet member there’s a more detailed technical version available in the TechNet members only area. There’s also an article in the March 2008 issue of FileMaker Advisor by the same author as the tech briefs available from FileMaker.
Finally make sure you use the new Refresh Window menu command (under the Records menu) or have a button/script that uses the Refresh Window [flush cached SQL data] script step to update your ESS views.
I also tested ESS with WordPress which uses MySQL as the database backend and I can view the WordPress tables in FileMaker Pro 9 too!
Well this is my first post to my new blog. I’m using the WordPress blog software and it took just under 1 hour to install and setup and I’m pretty impressed. Once my website is up and running I’ll be posting blogs about Databuzz and FileMaker.
Andrew
