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Microsoft SQL VS FileMaker Pro

Compare Microsoft SQL VS FileMaker Pro and see what are their differences

Microsoft SQL logo Microsoft SQL

Microsoft SQL is a best in class relational database management software that facilitates the database server to provide you a primary function to store and retrieve data.

FileMaker Pro logo FileMaker Pro

FileMaker Pro Advanced includes all the features of FileMaker Pro plus a set of advanced tools so you can rapidly build powerful custom apps.
  • Microsoft SQL Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-26
  • FileMaker Pro Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-21

Microsoft SQL features and specs

  • Comprehensive Feature Set
    SQL Server offers a wide range of features including advanced analytics, in-memory capabilities, robust security measures, and integration services.
  • High Performance
    With in-memory OLTP and support for persistent memory technologies, SQL Server provides high transaction and query performance.
  • Scalability
    SQL Server can scale from small installations on single machines to large, data-intensive applications requiring high throughput and storage.
  • Security
    SQL Server offers advanced security features like encryption, dynamic data masking, and advanced threat protection, ensuring data safety and compliance.
  • Integrations
    It easily integrates with other Microsoft products such as Azure, Power BI, and Active Directory, providing a cohesive ecosystem for enterprise solutions.
  • Developer Friendly
    It supports a wide range of development tools and languages including .NET, Python, Java, and more, making it highly versatile for developers.
  • High Availability
    Features like Always On availability groups and failover clustering provide high availability and disaster recovery options for critical applications.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft SQL

  • Cost
    SQL Server can be expensive, particularly for the Enterprise edition. Licensing costs can add up quickly depending on the features and scale required.
  • Complexity
    Due to its comprehensive feature set, SQL Server can be complex to configure and manage, requiring skilled administrators and developers.
  • Resource Intensive
    SQL Server can be resource-intensive, requiring substantial hardware resources for optimal performance, which can increase overall operational costs.
  • Windows-Centric
    While SQL Server can run on Linux, it is primarily optimized for and tightly integrated with the Windows ecosystem, which may not suit all organizations.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    Being a proprietary solution, it can cause vendor lock-in, making it challenging to switch to alternative database systems without significant migration efforts.

FileMaker Pro features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    FileMaker Pro features a highly intuitive design with drag-and-drop functionality, making it accessible for users with limited technical skills.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The software is compatible with both macOS and Windows, offering flexibility for users operating on different systems.
  • Customizability
    Users can create highly customized databases suited to their specific needs, from small business operations to larger enterprise solutions.
  • Integration Capabilities
    FileMaker Pro seamlessly integrates with various external applications and services, including APIs, AppleScript, and ODBC/JDBC connectivity.
  • Rapid Development
    The platform enables quick development and deployment of database solutions, which can be a time-saver for businesses needing immediate solutions.
  • Cloud Hosting
    Claris' cloud hosting option provides secure, centralized access to your databases from anywhere, enhancing collaboration and remote work.
  • Strong Community Support
    A large, active community of users and developers provides extensive resources, forums, and third-party plugins to extend functionality.

Possible disadvantages of FileMaker Pro

  • Cost
    FileMaker Pro can be relatively expensive, especially for small businesses or individual users, considering the licensing fees.
  • Limited Scalability
    It may become less efficient for extremely large, enterprise-level databases, making it less suitable for very high-scale operations.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic functions are easy to learn, mastering advanced features and scripting can be complex and may require comprehensive training.
  • Proprietary Nature
    FileMaker uses its own proprietary technology, which can make integration with some other systems and platforms more challenging compared to open-standard solutions.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users report performance slowdowns when dealing with very large datasets or numerous concurrent users.
  • Mobile App Limitations
    The mobile version, FileMaker Go, may have limitations compared to the desktop version, particularly in terms of functionality and complexity.

Microsoft SQL videos

3.1 Microsoft SQL Server Review

More videos:

  • Review - What is Microsoft SQL Server?
  • Review - Querying Microsoft SQL Server (T-SQL) | Udemy Instructor, Phillip Burton [bestseller]

FileMaker Pro videos

No FileMaker Pro videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microsoft SQL and FileMaker Pro)
Databases
84 84%
16% 16
Relational Databases
100 100%
0% 0
Project Management
0 0%
100% 100
Tool
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microsoft SQL and FileMaker Pro, you can also consider the following products

MySQL - The world's most popular open source database

Zoho Creator - Zoho Creator is a low-code application development platform that helps you build a custom, mobile-ready apps to run your business.

PostgreSQL - PostgreSQL is a powerful, open source object-relational database system.

SoftMaker Office - SoftMaker Office is one of the most powerful and reliable office suite that is fully compatible with the MS Office Suite.

SQLite - SQLite Home Page

Apache OpenOffice - Apache OpenOffice is an open source, office document productivity suite.