Filed under: Software, Freeware
Twitter and Skype and FileMaker, oh my! FMWebSchool integrates them
FileMaker Pro fans can now tweet and make Skype calls directly from databases, thanks to a pair of free files from FMWebSchool. There are a couple of movies that demonstrate how these files work, which you can view by clicking the links below. The FMSkype file allows you to import your Skype address book into a FileMaker Pro database (Windows only; Mac FileMaker users must manually import their Skype info), and then click to call a contact using their Skype name or phone number.
FMTweet lets you send messages to Twitter from a FileMaker Pro database. This is not a plug-in; it's a database with associated scripting that can be customized by the user. FMTweet could be useful if you want a database to provide notification of a specific situation through Twitter -- for instance, send a tweet when someone enters information into a web-enabled Filemaker database.
To get the two files and other FileMaker goodies that may come out in the future, you do need to subscribe to the free FMWebSchool newsletter.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Randall Stross said 9:29PM on 4-26-2009
You would think the database vendors would include this functionality in their products without requiring us to use 3rd party addons.
Randall Stross
http://enhilex.com
Reply
Ryan Trevisol said 7:38AM on 4-27-2009
I'm sorry? Why would I tweet from a Filemaker Database? I can see the entertaining tweets now:
"I'm looking for a new job."
Sent about 5 minutes ago from TweetDeck
"Why can't the budgetkeeper give me the right serial numbers???!?!??!??"
Sent about a half hour ago from Filemaker
"Found out that when you switch to another app while Filemaker is open, you have to click the menu bar before it will let you use keyboard shortcuts. Stupid."
Sent about an hour ago from Filemaker
"Command EFF! COMMAND EFF! Don't bonk me you pathetic computer!"
Sent 90 minutes ago from Filemaker
"Wow, inventory is a pain in the neck."
Sent two hours ago from Filemaker
Reply
p0p_ said 8:37AM on 4-27-2009
Warning, dumb comments by Randall Stross and Ryan Trevisol.
These files are simple freebies that demonstrate how you can use FileMaker creatively. Plus, they are unlocked so you can learn from them and use them if you need to. Any FileMaker developer would appreciate them, and it's obvious you guys aren't.
Reply
Guido Karp said 9:16AM on 4-27-2009
Randall, we run FM on a large scale. So transfering large number of clients telephone numbers would not make any sense - especially since one had to maintain correct numbers on two ends.
But, there is no need of any plug-in - a script parameter Open URL and then callto://.... will get the full functionality straight from the database.
Best wishes, Guido
Reply
Michael Petrov said 12:54PM on 4-27-2009
Hi Guido,
You are correct about the "callto://" URL, and that's exactly what's used after the Skype contact/import parsing for the calls (hence no plugin needed). Keep in mind that most people won't know that URL syntax and that's exactly why FMWebschool is releasing these files - for others to learn about new techniques (and hey, in this case it is actually learning about things that are not only FM related). They are ultimately fun sample files, but they definitely demonstrate quite a few interesting techniques in FM that can apply to many areas of development, FM or no FM.
Best Regards,
Michael Petrov
Lead Software Developer,
FMWebschool