FileMaker Workshop
Brief History
FileMaker is a subsidiary of Apple Computer.
Reference: FileMaker Wikipedia
The database program was originally created by Nashoba Systems and then changed hands to an Apple subsidary, Claris. Claris was renown for the Apple ClarisWorks program. Claris released version 1.0 of the FileMaker software in 1990.
In 1998, Claris dropped their office line and changed their name to FileMaker circa FileMaker 4 and FileMaker 5.
The product as continue to evolve and currently support a desktop application for Apple and PC (format cross-platform) as well as Server product and a free iOS app making database deliver to a iPad or iPhone possible.
Really, why FileMaker?
FileMaker provides an intuitive graphic user interface. The product allows for rapid creation of databases and form. The FileMaker database search engine relies on graphic searches vs SQL query languages.
FileMaker has extended it's Server product to support API access, ODBC/JDBC, JSON, and XML delivery. The FileMaker WebDirect Engine allows databases to be deployed in a web browser eliminating the need for a application to be installed on a computer.
Data extracts can easily be exported as Excel, PDF, or Printed