MBS plug-in for Filemaker reaches v2.1, improves WebView
updated 08:35 pm EDT, Tue October 26, 2010
Adds Applescript, Windows Script support
Monkeybread Software has updated their MBS plug-in for Filemaker to version 2.1, improving webview control on database forms, adding PDF support, porting functions for string editing and allowing users to hide the desktop, allowing for kiosk-style presentations. The software now claims adding a total of 432 functions to Filemaker.
Among the changes are a trio of functions brought in from the company's own SQLite Extension: SoundEx, RemoveAccents and RemoveAccentsCaseInsensitive, which aids in searching for names without dealing with the details of exact spelling, particularly handy for names with accents or unusual character. They can be entered accurately in a database but still be easily searchable.
There are also new print parameters for printing a webview (such as setting orientation to landscape), and saving a JPEG in the web view to a database. New functions to leverage the PDFKit framework already in Mac OS X allow users to have PDF files in databases and still query details of the file, such as page count, or extract images and text from PDF files inside databases.
Two functions for a backdrop window enable kiosk designers to disable GUI elements such as the Dock and disallow application switching, making Filemaker more useful with kiosk presentations.
MBS plug-in for Filemaker requires Filemaker version 7 or higher, and works with both PPC and Intel Macs running 10.4 or higher, as well as Windows XP or Vista. Licensing is based on the number of seats but starts at $139 for a five-seat license. A free trial and installation guide are available.
