When FileMaker databases get distributed and changed, trouble can brew. WorldSync, Inc.’s SyncDek helps fix that problem by using configurable rules to synchronize certain fields in distributed databases, thanks to commonly available Internet protocols, and version 5.0 is on display now at Macworld Conference & Expo.
SyncDek 5.0 was written in Java and employs XML to automatically and transparently manage data exchange. The Java-based background service communicates with a FileMaker Pro plug-in, which allows developers to control synchronization from within FileMaker. The new edition introduces a SyncDek Developer module for creating and maintaining synchronization settings.
Explained Jason Erickson, founder and CEO of WorldSync: “We chose to support FileMaker synchronization first because FileMaker empowers real people in business to solve their information management challenges with little to no previous database experience. The SyncDeK-FileMaker combination is a huge leap forward for information empowerment.”
WorldSync expects to ship SyncDek 5.0 “in the coming weeks.” Anyone who has purchased SyncDek since August 15, 2003 is eligible for a free upgrade; full licenses are US$999 for SyncDek Server and $199 for SyncDek Clients. SyncDek Developer is $1299. You can find the new software being demonstrated at both the SyncDek (SIP3) and FileMaker (#817) booths at Macworld Expo.
System requirements call for Mac OS 9.1 or Mac OS X, FileMaker 5.5 or higher, 15MB of available RAM, 30MB of hard drive space, MRJ (Mac OS 9) or Java 1.4.1 (Mac OS X), and a non-dedicated mail server.