Paradigma Software is debuting a new line-up of Valentina data management and database products for Mac, Windows and Linux. The flagship product is now Valentina Studio Pro 5, which adds Postgre support and incorporates the formerly separate Valentina Studio Admin. In addition, the product supports ENUM types, journaling and more.
DataStax, which specializes in commercial tools to deploy and work with the open-source Apache Cassandra database management system (DBM), has updated its own browser-based visual management and monitoring system for Cassandra's linear-scalable P2P post-relational database system and introduced its first version of the Mac after polling its users and discovering demand for a Mac version.
DSPanel has utilized Java to create multi-platform native versions of its Performance Canvas Studio for Mac OS X, Linux and Unix as well as its original Windows platform. The suite is the company's flagship product for business intelligence (BI) correlation of various data sources and is also accessible on mobile devices via the web. The program is "multi-tenant" meaning databases can be set up to serve multiple clients, organizations or users to access the data.
Media-database developer Bruji has updated its consumer lineup of speciality inventory-tracking programs for various types of media, it's "Pedia" line, to version 5.0. DVDpedia, CDpedia, Bookpedia and Gamepedia allow collectors to scan the UPC code on various products (or enter them manually) in an iTunes-like interface that features Coverflow-style browsing and other features, including now a database option built and run by other Pedia users.
There are several programs for the Mac that will help you track down the missing branches in your family tree, but few are as Mac-centric as MacFamilyTree from Synium, now on version 6.1.4. The program provides access to a family records database for some users and dazzling organizational options for everyone -- but is it the right choice and a good value for putting together a keepsake family history or discovering a missing relation? We'll answer those questions in our review.
Mendeley, a collaborative social network for researchers combined with a cloud-based document management and storage application, has hit several milestones lately: over 1 million individual users, over 100 million research papers in its database, and the release of Mendeley Desktop 1.0 for all three major platforms. The app works as a PDF document management tool and offers levels of public and private collaborative sharing.
Filemaker, the name behind one of the most popular names in database software, has spent years pursuing its vision of a home-use database that people would actually like and -- more importantly -- use. The fruit of this vision, Bento, has found an audience thanks to an elegant UI and a low pricetag. With version 4, we'll see if Bento has reached its full potential and fulfilled its promise to make digital record-keeping and organizing enjoyable in our exclusive review.
Paradigma Software has updated its flagship products, the cross-platform database system Valentina DB and the business data reporting tool Valentina Reports, along with the free iValentina companion database apps for iPhone and iPad. The new releases add more than 100 improvements, changes, fixes and customer-requested features, including query statistics profiling and compatibility with Real Software's Real Studio Web Edition.
Filemaker has released a free add-on kit for Bento 4, the Bento Label Kit. The kit features pre-designed templates for mailing labels, name badges, stickers, price tags, file folder labels and other label-based print jobs, using standard Avery sizes. Bento is a personal database program that brings a template-driven approach to projects (very akin to the programs in the iWork suite) and features a community of users that share custom templates.
Italian developer SQLabs has unveiled CubeSQL, a full-featured sqlite-based relational database management system (RDMS) that is intended as an affordable way for developers to create applications reliant on multiuser database connections. The program runs on all three major platforms, can be embedded into iOS and Cocoa applications, and is easily accessed with any JSON client, PHP, native C SDK and even with what the developer describes as a "highly optimized" RealStudio plug-in.
Cross Culture has announced the release of a completely re-written and re-designed Mergemill Pro 4.0, introducing powerful data-processing capabilities such as multi-level data sorting, BASIC scripting, multiple search-and-replace actions, support for Unicode and other text encodings, project scheduling and autorun functionality. The program takes diverse sources of data, such as databases, webpages, e-mails and more, then merges them with templates or other sources to produce the desired output, from personalized e-mails to spoken RSS feeds.
Montreal's SilverCocoa is now offering Wines, a wine appreciation and collection database for Macs exclusively available through the Mac App Store. The program allows wine enthusiasts to maintain records on their collection, or just keep track of wines they have tasted and enjoyed for future reference. It can be used by wine connoisseurs or users just starting out to expand their wine knowledge.
Ask anyone who needs to keep a large list -- whether it be a collector with their antiques or a salesperson with their contacts -- and they'll tell you that once the list reaches a certain size, it's difficult to remember what's on it, what's missing, and all the details. Mac developer ApiMac has updated their iDatabase software, which features a synchable iOS companion version. The latest update features the ability to import already-existing Semicolon-Separated or Tab-Delimited files to make starting a new iDatabase even more quickly.
ProVue Development has announced a new database application aimed at spreadsheet users called Panorama Sheets that uses Panorama's technique of loading all operations into RAM, resulting in extraordinarily rapid sorting, analysis and data manipulation. Panorama Sheets uses a familiar spreadsheet interface, and data or results can be easily imported or exported to or from text files and spreadsheets, or printed in tabular format. The program uses ProVue's Total Recall technology to protect the data from system crashes or power outages.
EagleFiler, the all-purpose "digital shoebox" database and snippet manager, has been updated to v1.5 -- bringing dozens of new features, improvements and tweaks. Among the many changes are a new "Merge Message Files" function, a slideshow option, an "Open With" command, a "Quick Entry" hotkey to create a new file from within any application, a new "Move to" operation and direct Finder manipulation of EagleFiler's records.
We have posted a review detailing Yojimbo 3.1 and its companion iPad app. The major upgrade in BareBones' new app is its ability to sync a Mac's Yojimbo database with the new Yojimbo for iPad app, allowing users to carry their Yojimbo collections on the iOS device. The review determines the strengths and weaknesses of the new iPad app, and its value to current Yojimbo users.
Filemaker, the Apple subsidiary that publishes the popular database program of the same name, has unveiled a free set of templates called Event Planner, designed to work with their consumer-oriented "personal database," Bento v3. The six new templates are centered around event planning from personal retreats to multi-vendor fundraisers, and use six new customizable templates for handling every aspect from task lists and expense reports to vendor contact sheets and scheduling.
Mac users looking for a native PostgreSQL client for their databases now have the option of Tuples, a $30 native client for the open-source object-relational database management system that aims to reduce the complexity for new users. This new version, v1.34, makes small adjustments to the interface based on user feedback, including adding more space to the table view, changing the way table and connection properties are displayed, changes to the minimum size of the editor and several stability fixes.
Aquafold today updated its flagship product Aqua Data Studio, a universal database query and administration program, to version 9.0. The major upgrade includes two user-requested features, AquaScript and Open APIs, allowing users new methods to automate repetitive tasks and making it easier to customize the program.
ProVue's popular database program Panorama, available on the Mac since 1988, has been updated to v6.0, a major upgrade to the high-performance RAM-based program for Macs and Windows. New features include a major speed boost on Intel Macs, live preview, protections to guard against data loss using Time Machine-like technology, full right-click contextual menus, enhanced search and simplified data manipulation and import/export among others.
Synium Software has updated its genealogy software, MacFamilyTree. The utility allows users to document and visualize family histories, which can be detailed in reports such as ancestor and dependent charts, statistics and family charts. MacFamilyTree supports GEDCOM and LDS, along with CoreAnimation, CoreData database systems and 64-bit processing. Users can input data from a variety of sources such as a Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
File Maker Inc, an Apple subsidiary, is set to launch two mobile apps, both titled FileMaker Go, for the iPad and iPhone platforms, according to an AppleInsider report. The apps will provide tools for remotely viewing, editing, or searching content contained in FileMaker Pro databases.
Monkey Tools has released an update to its audio database software, Library Tools 4.0. The software manages audio files with smart set organization, sorts with complex capabilities such as Boolean searches, and can process audio files and send them to other applications. It also allows users to view embedded metadata.
Paradigma Software has released a major update for its columnar database for business and developers, Valentina DB 4.6. The software is a visual report creation and generation engine that works in the Valentina DB kernel to generate charts, graphs, complex layouts of data and PDFs. Valentina uses column organization of data to focus queries to only the necessary data. It uses indexes according to the best use for a given database instead of defaulting to b-tree indexes and it uses bitsets for resolving queries, offering numerous algorithm branches. It has an optimized cache for reduction of I/O overload and uses an advanced SQL optimizer.
MacNN has reviewed the latest update to Neat's scanning software, NeatWorks for Mac 3.0. The suite scans receipts, business cards and full-sized documents, using intelligent optical character recognition (OCR) to append metadata to the scanned files. The software has a database for tracking trends and printing reports -- Version 3.0 adds tax categories for the U.S. and Canada, with support for individual tax forms. The company has also added Quick Look integration and workflow improvements, such as keyboard shortcuts, blank page removal, better speed, and an improved report interface.
MacNN has reviewed Bento for iPad, giving four stars (out of five) to the personal database app. The general-purpose database app allows users to customize the organization structure and data - it ships with 25 templates designed for common databases such as Home Inventory, Expenses, To Do Items, Recipes, Exercise Log, and Time Billing. The templates can each be modified, while the app has three visual themes to choose from.
Koingo Software has launched updates of two of its software titles, MacPilot 4 and Librarian Pro 2. Mac Pilot enables hidden features and abilities in the MAC OS, and can optimize and run maintenance routines as well. It runs a user interface over more arcane UNIX scripts, allowing everyday users access to features like disabling menu-bar translucency, erasing recently used files, disabling system animations and changing winnow resizing speeds.
Frameline has launched a major update to its MPEG7 video logging and media management software for Mac, Frameline 47 v3.2. It is designed to manage video files, scan drives for videos, extract metadata, and build an SQL database. Frameline 47 also edits and annotates files, while providing a capture interface and allowing users to work within a network-based system for editing and cataloging.
Arten Science has launched new contact-management software, ContaX. The new software allows storage and viewing of contacts, with communication and interaction available between contacts. It has a flexible database that can be stored anywhere, including hosted or synchronized services like an iDisk or DropBox. It can be used by individuals or expanded to small-business levels, and can communicate across OS platforms. The new software is compatible with R10Cipher for encrypt text and e-mail; it is also compatible with R10BatchMail for sending batches of e-mails.
RemObjects has launched a new development tool for the Mac and iPhone, Data Abstract for OS X. The framework focuses on databases, allowing developers to focus on front-end presentation. It contains an Objective-C library supporting Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6, as well as the iPhone OS. It is said to work well alongside Cocoa and Xcode.
AquaFold has launched a major upgrade to its database administration software, releasing Aqua Data Studio 8.0. The software is geared toward visualizing and working with multiple relational databases in a single view. Aqua Data Studio already supports Oracle, DB2 for iSeries, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Sybase, Informix, apache Derby and PostgreSQL. Version 8.0 adds native support for new databases including Teradata, DB2 for z/OS, Sybase IQ 15 and nCluster.
Apple-owned FileMaker has released Bento 3, a major new edition of its personal database utility. The software now includes iPhoto integration, which allows users to associate extra information with images. Photos can be linked with any material in a database, such as events, contacts or projects.
FMWebschool's FMTouch software for the iPhone has won a FileMaker Excellence Award from a pool of over 1200 members. The app will be offered at a 60 percent discount to celebrate the win. FMTouch allows users to load FileMaker databases onto an iPhone or iPod touch. Guides for style, scripting and calculations can be used to create new databases. The resulting database is then iPhone-ready and stored directly on the device, providing full access even without an Internet connection.
Retail consignment software InBloom 2.0 is now shipping. The major update to the FileMaker-based software has added Twitter integration, customized and PDF printing along with new architecture for quick upgrades. Twitter support allows the software to quickly launch availability updates for popular products. The software focuses on resale support for small businesses, with inventory management, customer management, point-of-sale and check-printing capabilities while being networkable and customizable.
CampSoftware has included 31 updates in its FMSmallBusiness 1.4.1 release. Most of the changes are user-requested additions, including support for common documents and copying to the clipboard. FMSmallBusiness (FMSB) is based on the FileMaker Pro database platform and geared toward running a small business, with tools for tracking contacts, calendars, schedules, activities, projects, documents and more. The software works with Mac and Windows systems or the iPhone, along with most web browsers, and can be configured for single- or multiple-user configurations on up to 250 workstations.
TeamViewer has released its add-on database tool, TeamViewer Manager for Mac, geared for large companies or call centers. The software provides tools to help users manage their partners in an arranged database, while storing client information in files and folders. The database can also be shared over a network with other supporters. For future reference, users can record and save the start and finish times for each session, along with information detailing which supporters completed the sessions.
Paradigma Software has released Valentina DB 4.2, Valentina ODBC and Valentina Reports 4.2. Valentina DB is an object-relational database management system that features the ability to switch between a local embedded database and a server while using the same sources. The software features improvements to several functions including recursive SQL queries, allowing users to work with ancestors in hierarchical data. The database can also be configured to pool queries and utilize diagnostic tools with pool queries. The update includes PHP data objects, used for developing web applications for Valentina Server.
SQLabs has announced the availability of SQLiteManager 3.0, an application used to manage memory databases, AES-128 encrypted databases, and REAL Server databases utilizing sqlite 2 and sqlite 3. Version 3.0 includes a bug reporting tool that automatically opens when a crash bug occurs as well as a database recovery feature that replicates the previous database in a new file if there is a serious database issue. The update also expands the application's print options, utilizing new print engine that enables users to customize and preview all files that are being printed.
FileMaker has announced Bento 1.0.1, an update to its mobile personal database for managing contacts, coordinating projects, and tracking bills, as well as the launch of its Bento Template Exchange. Bento for the iPhone (and iPod touch) offers users a portable database to store information ranging from birthdays to home expenses, and provides 25 pre-designed templates to start. Bento mobile can sync with the desktop version or work as a standalone, and includes integration with the address book, dialer, Safari browser and e-mail in-box. The newest version of Bento adds compatibility for the iPhone OS 3.0, and is said to resolve customer-reported issues relating to data entry, stability, and data displays.
360Works has released ScriptMaster 3, an update to its FileMaker plug-in that handles file manipulation, web services and shell scripting. The latest version contains a redesigned user interface, and new modules such as Crop Image, QuickTime frame capture and URLDecode. New functions let users retrieve size information, create a ZIP archive or run syntax checks on XML tests.
With its tiny keyboard, the iPhone might not seem like the best platform for building a database. But FileMaker says it has found a way to exploit the iPhone's interface, multi-touch gestures and Wi-Fi capabilities to make Bento for the iPhone as useful as its desktop counterpart. The result is an app that has many, but not all of the capabilities of its full-sized sibling.
REALbasic creator REAL Software has launched REAL Server 2009 Release 1, featuring improved scalability and performance. The SQLite database server is geared toward developers who need to expand a single-user application into a multi-user platform. The release provides eight major new features, including a new architecture that is scalable to support over 10,000 concurrent connections. The software now utilizes multi-core processing and improved RAM usage to increase the speed of queries, with platform-specific optimizations to maximize performance.
AquaFold has posted the v7.5 update to its database administration tool, Aqua Data Studio. The software supports Oracle, MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server, among other platforms. The latest version offers a new file search tool that searches the complete contents of files, and two added editors for Java and JavaScript. Also present are additional charts, enhanced performance, and more languages to choose from. Performance improvements emphasize a 40 percent reduction in memory consumption when retrieving sizable text and grid results.
DDH Software has released HanDBase Plus, an add-on package for syncing HanDBase databases stored on an iPhone or iPod touch. The new software enables all databases stored on a handheld to be mirrored on the desktop automatically, as soon as users initiate a sync. In using the desktop client, users can also make changes to records that are merged with mobile ones; assorted functions give control over the sync modes of each database, and share content with other mobile devices.
Managing hierarchical data with recursive SQL commands is the leading new feature of Paradigma's Valentina DB 4.1. The update also includes performance gains and improvements to stored procedures, reports and Ruby implementations. The new Wiki in v4.1 adds multiple video tutorials, PDFs of developer references, and a developer blog to provide a deeper understanding of Valentina's features. Valentina DB provides database technology that claims 10x to 500x query speed gains over competitors, with Smart SQL, a royalty-free server and support for numerous developer languages.
ProVUE has released Panorama Authorize.Net Gateway, a new plug-in software package for the company’s Panorama database program. The plug-in enables merchant credit card processing, and can automatically support all types of charges, refunds, voids, and pre-authorized credit card transactions. When making a transaction, all credit card information is pulled directly from the users Panorama database and processed through an internet-based payment processing network, Authroize.Net.
FileMaker has produced two new versions of its Business Productivity Kit, updated for the recent FileMaker Pro 10. The kits are intended to provide pre-made tools for a number of business tasks, such as sorting inventory, processing orders and delivering bulk e-mail. The Standard edition of the software performs all of the above functions, and additionally tracks projects and production, while managing contacts and suppliers.
Frameline has announced Frameline 47 3.1, an update to its video database application, focusing on increased speed, reliability and additional video networking functionality. Version 3.1 adds network database syncing, file checkout and the ability to capture to MPEG-4 at multiple resolutions, as well as support for JKL navigation and the ability to cancel and resume drive indexing. It also includes better clip filtering and options for ignoring certain filetypes.
Navicat has released Navicat 8 for MySQL, an update to its database administrative tool. Designed for small and medium business, the software is used to simplify database management by letting users create, organize, access and share information. In version 8 of the application, features enable export from MySQL to Excel, increased support for ODBC importing, code completion in all SQL Editors, MySQL 5.1 updates, and SQL preview for all object design forms.
Paradigma has released Valentina DB 4, and launched Valentina for iPhone, adding new software to the Valentina product line. All of the database products include SQL-to-XML capabilities, SET/GET SQL property management, ISP hosting and support for version 4's new project format. Within the updated line are Valentina Reports and Reporting Services; the former is a reports creation engine which works with the Valentina DB kernel, making it possible to generate reports from any Valentina DB or server product.
