SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 30 FileMaker, Inc. announced the immediate availability of FileMaker Server 5.5 (Worldwide English version), a powerful, multi-protocol software application for hosting FileMaker Pro 5 and 5.5 databases. Designed to match the evolving platform preferences of workgroups, FileMaker now adds Red Hat Linux support to FileMaker Server 5.5. Linux is growing rapidly as a server platform, especially for workgroup deployments. FileMaker Server 5.5 will also run on Windows 2000 (now logo-certified), Windows NT, Mac OS X (native, user interface developed based on Cocoa, the advanced object-oriented technology from Apple Computer) and Mac OS 8.6 and later. To better fit with standard IT requirements, FileMaker Server 5.5 includes authentication of guests against a Windows domain and support for LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) service. FileMaker Server 5.5 provides database hosting for up to 250 FileMaker Pro 5 and 5.5 database clients and 125 open FileMaker Pro 5 and 5.5 files. The estimated U.S. retail price of FileMaker Server 5.5 is $999, and volume pricing is available under FileMaker volume license programs. Upgrades from prior versions of FileMaker Server are available at $499 (U.S. estimated retail price). "With a choice to host and administer FileMaker Pro databases now on either Mac OS X, Linux, or Windows 2000 Servers, FileMaker Server 5.5 offers enterprise workgroups and IT management the ideal way to deploy and protect FileMaker Pro databases,'' said FileMaker, Inc. President Dominique Goupil. Beta Customers Praise FileMaker Server 5.5 "I've seen many software packages in 25 years, and seen many ports for databases. The server side port of FileMaker Server 5.5 to Linux is outstanding,'' said Fred McConnell, Accounting Systems Administrator, Schramsberg Vineyards Co. "I definitely would recommend FileMaker Server 5.5 to all users of Red Hat Linux as a database server alternative. The snappy interface, overall speed improvement and performance coupled with such a low cost will motivate businesses to choose FileMaker Pro. When you compare easy-to-use FileMaker Server 5.5 on Linux with something expensive like SQL server, choosing FileMaker is a no-brainer,'' McConnell added. "Running FileMaker Server 5.5 on Linux has allowed me to coordinate administrative functions for FileMaker Pro. Handling the backup of the FileMaker Pro tables now occurs along with the backup of other files that are being served, said John Taylor, Technical Director, Digital Ink Systems. ''This (FileMaker Server 5.5) should allow FileMaker to penetrate the IT universe," stated Taylor. New Features in FileMaker Server 5.5 Easy to set up and administer, FileMaker Server 5.5 now automatically updates and deploys FileMaker Pro plug-ins to FileMaker Pro 5.5 clients across a TCP/IP network. A single update of a plug-in on the server, updates all users of a FileMaker solution. Administrators may now also register FileMaker Server 5.5 on an LDAP server for easy login from FileMaker Pro 5.5 and tracking from the IT department. Also, whenever developers and administrators work on FileMaker Pro database files in single-user mode, FileMaker Server can be set to automatically host the files. As with FileMaker Server 5.0, FileMaker Server 5.5 also delivers automatic centralized database backups and auto disconnect of idle guests. FileMaker Server 5.5 Ordering Information and System Requirements Volume licensing customers may order FileMaker Server 5.5 starting today by calling +1-800-725-2747. Individual copies of FileMaker Server 5.5 may be purchased from FileMaker resellers or through the FileMaker Store at http://store.filemaker.com . For specific system requirements, go to http://www.filemaker.com/downloads/pdf/factsheet_fms.pdf . For more information please visit http://www.filemaker.com/products/fms_home.html .