Claris' FileMaker is presented as a Workplace Innovation Platform, and is used to create a custom app. Manual processes can be automated with Claris FileMaker Pro, and apps can be created to manage contacts, track inventory, organize projects, etc.
$21
per month per user
WompMobile
Score 9.0 out of 10
Mid-Size Companies (51-1,000 employees)
WompMobile enables any website to be converted to a mobile-friendly format without the need to redesign or change the desktop site. It is a turn-key mobile development solution, meaning no IT involvement is required. This solution uses a proprietary JavaScript-adaptive platform. The vendor says their customers see an increase in mobile traffic and page performance, and an average conversion rate increase of 156%. This solution offers…
N/A
Pricing
Claris FileMaker
WompMobile
Editions & Modules
Platform Subscription
$21
per month per user
Individual desktop license
$594
one-time fee
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Claris FileMaker
WompMobile
Free Trial
No
No
Free/Freemium Version
No
No
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
No
Yes
Entry-level Setup Fee
No setup fee
Required
Additional Details
—
Mobile website development consists of a one-time development fee and an ongoing monthly service fee. Prices vary depending on the size and scope of the project, website, technology, traffic and other factors.
If your company is really small, I can understand the need for a product like this. However, I would go for MS Access... FileMaker Pro can not be integrated with other systems (like MS Access can at least be handled by C# for instance, and can be integrated with MS Excel or even SQL server). I'm really not sure in what scenario one would choose for FileMaker Pro. If your application or company grows bigger, you're going to have a problem to move to another environment. Also, the fact that only one person can work with the backend at any given time is a problem in a somewhat larger company.
At first look we were not sure if WompMobile was well suited for E-Commerce because they had very few examples of E-Commerce sites within their portfolio. We spoke with the team at WompMobile and those concerns were tossed right out the window. I can't think of any scenario where WompMobile would not be able to provide the right mobile solution.
The relational database management system makes the program highly customizable to fit the needs of any product. You can add a ton of information to each record and update your inventory on a regular basis with an Excel import or manually inside of the record. It has the capability to incorporate barcoding, which can manage your available inventory with ease.
The scripting language allows FileMaker to automatically calculate complex algorithms automatically or generate report outs with the click of a button. This allows for greater UI, especially with active users who are not familiar with writing code. Almost all of our internal data is linked to the FileMaker database
The server license allows many users to update the database in real time, which is handy if your inventory is constantly changing. We have users with Macs, PCs, iPhones and handheld tablets linked to our FileMaker database and they are updating the information constantly throughout the day.
If you invest some time into formatting and scripting the database, there is a high ease of use for users without knowledge of any programming or FileMaker itself.
Developer features need to be beefed up - namely adding the ability to search code for a phrase or keyword and the ability to do the same in the "relationship graph" in the database.
Add ability for users to edit the same table record at the same time by version control.
Allow Filemaker Server to use more than 1 core; currently multi-processing is not supported and it can be tricky to find just the right server to support the application you've built to the fullest capacity.
Support Options. We struggled a bit with not having a 24x7 support option from WompMobile. Even though we haven't had to use it, and a global company like us would feel better with a 24x7 support option. We even expected to pay more to have that comfort for "just in case" scenarios. However, their speed in responding to your production issue has been phenomenal, and it makes you wonder if the current model is way better than a 24x7 support option where they might have to hire less costly labor who would take longer to resolve your issue.
Test Environment. We struggled not having our test environment connected to their test environment. They have a test environment where they show you the changes, but it's not accessible through your test environment. It's a different concept.
Reporting. WompMobile doesn't have a portal or dashboard for customers to see the hits and performance metrics of their site.
It it not really up to me but my opinion does have some weight in the decision and the reason I would renew my use FileMaker Pro 8.5 is because I am finally getting used to it! Now that I have been working with the program, tasks have become quicker and projects are getting done faster. File Maker Pro 8.5 really is a versatile tool and I think we are just scratching the surface with it's abilities.
The usability rating I'm providing is for the development interface - the usability of the application you build is relative to how much effort is put into the application. Filemaker needs to roll out some features that are "modern" sooner rather than later. They do roll out new features every year, but at a slow pace. We generally get 1 new TRULY useful feature every year. They need to step it up some!
The forums are great with lots of helpful experts and the staff monitor them to provide help where needed. There have been a couple of unique technical issues I've had to deal with that I haven't been able to get resolved so I chose to score this a 9 instead of a 10.
Suggest you use an iterative R.A.D. or AGILE development approach. (i.e. rather than writing a gigantic spec for a system, then building it). FileMaker facilitates quick prototypes. Developing an example, then allowing users to "try it out" is a snap.
FileMaker is still the quickest way to go from zero to having a minimum viable working solution. Simple solutions can be built in as little as a afternoon of development. It is the only tool I am aware of which allows tech savy end users with domain knowledge to build bespoke apps for their businesses without undertaking professional software development training.
I have no basis of comparison. I stumbled upon WompMobile from a mention by This American Life (I think), and worked it out with them. Looked no further
We are a more agile company because of FileMaker. A few of us who are tech-savvy enough to manage the database (but are not professional developers) can make needed adjustments to our database without having to employ an in-house developer or contract with a 3rd party. As our business processes evolve and change, it's easy to update the database to accommodate those changes.
Our mobile site was pretty basic, but once WompMobile changed the site, we saw increased results across our site. Our site runs smoother than before, leading to more positive customer experiences.
The site runs faster as well, allowing our customers to shop longer and quicker.
