Seattle-based SolutionMakers™ Announces FileMaker® Training Classes this September

Sept. 2, 2008 - PRLog -- SEATTLE, WA – SolutionMakers, Inc., one of 15 FileMaker Authorized Trainers in the country and the only one in the Pacific Northwest, is offering its FileMaker Training Series Development Skills Courses One and Two this September. These courses are designed to provide a solid foundation for those just starting to develop in FileMaker or a refresher for more advanced developers looking to get FileMaker certified. Class registration can be done online at SolutionMakers.com.  FMPUG and TechNet members should be sure to check their membership for discounts as well.

All SMi courses are taught by FileMaker Authorized Trainer Jason Young. Jason has been working with FileMaker since the late 90's and is FileMaker 8 and 9 certified. He has trained a number of work groups over the years and in the last few years has made a terrific transition to the classroom. Jason always encourages his students to bring their projects to class so that the lessons learned can be readily applied to the projects currently being worked on.

All SMi classes are taught at the University of Washington, Bothell campus. This campus is located just off I-405 northeast of Seattle. Since it is a newer college campus, the classrooms offer state-of-the-art technology and an easily accessible campus.

SMi requires that each attending student bring their own laptop, preferably with their current project loaded onto the machine, and a copy of FileMaker 8 or higher on it.  Each student also needs a copy of the FileMaker Training Series Manual. This can be purchased through SMi or through FileMaker. Laptop rentals are also available.

FileMaker 9 Developer Skills 1 (Two Day Class)
September 16-17, 2008
FTS Modules covered in this session:

1) Using FileMaker Pro: Approach FileMaker Pro 9 from the perspective of users: learn techniques for working with FileMaker data, printing & exporting, performing Find requests, and accessing features for working with email, Adobe PDF and Microsoft Excel documents.

2) Working with Fields:
Learn practical skills required to define FileMaker Pro 9 data tables and fields. This module explores data types and options for auto-entry, validation, and field storage. Discover how to manage images and other objects in container fields and work with the Database Design Report in FileMaker Pro Advanced.

3) Data Modeling:
Learn how to construct different types of data relationships, ensure data integrity, and implement multiple-table solutions. This module also covers lessons in building layouts using related data fields and portals.

4) Working with Layouts:
Review new features in FileMaker Pro 9, such as conditional formatting and auto-resize, while learning how to work with layout objects. Understand how field behavior and tab orders are controlled, learn to create different kinds of value lists, and work with the Web Viewer object, Tab Control object, and Tool Tips.

5) Calculation Functions:
Learn how functions work in the calculation engine in FileMaker Pro 9. Study how custom functions are built and how to best apply them to database solutions.

FileMaker 9 Developer Skills 2 (Two Day Class)
September 18-19, 2008
FTS Modules covered in this session:

6) Scripting:
User controls and interface elements are generally driven through scripts in FileMaker Pro 9. Explore best practices in scripting, learn how to build navigation and window controls, and study logical branching and looping routines.

7) Reporting:
Practice creating reports in FileMaker Pro 9 using a variety of techniques. Explore sub-summary reports that group information by break fields. Learn how to build a cross-tab report (with data-driven columns) and an HTML report that is displayed via the Web Viewer object.

8) Security:
Study the account-based security features of FileMaker Pro 9 and learn how to implement privilege sets, tie access to database solutions to external authentication servers, control both access and authoring rights to systems, and extend security controls with scripting.

9) Intermediate & Advanced Techniques:
Work with relational value lists, write scripts that leverage object naming, and explore Custom Menus in depth. Learn advanced techniques with portals that include dynamic sorting, filtering, row highlights and preview panes.

For those who are unable to attend the September classes, SolutionMakers always has another set right around the corner.  SMi will offer these same classes October 20-21 and 22-23, as well as the more advanced one-day class, "FileMaker 9 Server Admin, Connectivity & the Web", on October 24th.

FileMaker 9 Server Admin, Connectivity & the Web (One Day Class)
October 24, 2008
Prerequisite - Instructor Permission Required
(Note: Class content will vary slightly depending on student requirements. Contact SMi's instructor for more information.)
FTS modules covered in this session:

10) FileMaker Server:
Learn the best practices for setting up and maintaining FileMaker Server 9 and FileMaker Server 9 Advanced. Review hardware and networking requirements, learn proper backup routines, and be trained in configuration processes.

11) Connectivity:
Learn how to integrate FileMaker 9 with SQL systems, both through ODBC connections and with the new External SQL Data Source capabilities in FileMaker Pro 9. Review configuration processes and learn to use other data systems in tandem with your FileMaker Pro databases.

12) Web Publishing:
Understand the capabilities of both Instant Web Publishing (IWP) and Custom Web Publishing in FileMaker Pro 9 and learn how to develop solutions to publish via the Web. Review the PHP Site Assistant and gain hands-on experience with IWP.

Additional information:  Jody Bossert - Marketing and Project Coordinator, 1-800-237-3975 x103, jodybossert@solutionmakers.com, or visit our web site at http://www.SolutionMakers.com.

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Experts at “Transforming Technology into Tools”, SMi offers integrated business management solutions and software training, coupled with a commitment to personal, knowledgeable customer service.