Filemaker as a CMS Push

When working with a framework that is set up for multiple languages, I decided to give some more power to the client by evolving a content management system within Filemaker. The defined constants in each language file, for instance, can be controlled by editing the language file. The constants placed upon the design layer of the application allow for ease of changes, making it both possible and fun to provide a version of your site in alternative languages without worrying about the resultant shift in the design.

Calculation fields in filemaker can drive content and with the 360Works ScriptMaster ( is a free, general-purpose, modular plugin. It comes out of the box with modules for file manipulation, URL and network utilities, Web Services, shell scripting, event/script triggering, and many others) you can automatically ftp the resultant file built around the calculation.

This is a time consuming process, but well worth it. The result will be more empowerment for the marketing pro who wants to update content easier. Other steps along this path include editing of stylesheets. Practically anything that is text based can be modified this way and sent to a live site via ftp. In fact, this is so fun I just may decide to code up my version of a content editor inside of filemaker to see if it can be done.