Dropping a Marker When the Map Loads

Following up from our previous post, a reader asked if it was possible to have the marker show automatically when the map loads, if there were coordinates previously selected. Depending how Google Maps is being used in a solution, this is a perfectly reasonable expectation of functionality. So, we decided to add this to the file and post an update. There was, however, one annoying little issue...

Using Google Maps Javascript API v3

Google has a variety of APIs for its Maps, allowing developers to access, integrate and query map data. Some time back, a client needed the ability to click on a map and capture the selected coordinates into their database, so we started our map quest using the Google Maps Javascript API v3. Since then we've had a number of enquiries as to how this was accomplished and, as a result, we've put together a demo file.

How To Implement SVGs Into FileMaker Solutions & What We've Learned Along The Way

The introduction of FileMaker Pro 14 earlier this year brought with it some excellent enhancements and new features to the platform. One of these is the ability to use SVGs in buttons on layouts, and this article shares what we've learned about them as we put them to use.

Launching an Instance and Installing FileMaker Server

The second part of our FileMaker Server (FMS) on Amazon Web Services (AWS) series focuses on launching our server Instance and getting FMS installed and up and running. In our previous blog post, we did all that was necessary on the AWS side to set up groups, users and security prior to being able to launch our server Instance using AWS’ Free Tier option – a free cloud server as long as we stick within the Free Tier guidelines.

So, now that we have all that taken care of, without further ado, let’s launch and connect to our server in the sky…

Signing Up and Setting Up Security Credentials

We’ve been working with a client recently who wants to host the FileMaker solution we’ve built for them on FileMaker Server – Hooray!  We couldn’t agree more. Using FileMaker Server (FMS) provides more flexibility, security, functionality, backups, better performance – the list goes on, but it’s a wise decision on their part.

But then comes the question, how and where to host?

SMS & iPhone Calling Using Skype from Within FMP

A couple of weeks ago, we posted our solution to cross-platform Skype usage from within a FileMaker database. We were pretty pleased with it for our database solution as it allowed us to utilize our Skype subscriptions directly no matter whether we were using a Mac, PC or iPhone.

But it wasn't quite perfect.

Outlook.Com Now Supports the IMAP Email Protocol

On Thursday, September 12, 2013, Microsoft announced that Outlook.com now supports the IMAP email protocol, finally opening up their service to mail clients that had previously been unsupported. What does this all mean? Well, we've taken a moment to check it out and detail the pros and cons of the email hosting platform.

Calling & Chat from Within FileMaker Pro

Here at Sounds Essential, we like the database program FileMaker Pro. It's cross-platform (works on PC, Mac and iOS) and extremely versatile. That’s why we use it for our own business to keep track of clients and projects. Every once in a while, though, we come across something new we'd like the database to do. That often requires a little research to figure how best to implement the solution, as was the case with integrating Skype. Here's our solution that works cross-platform on all devices.

QuickBooks is pretty much the go-to small business accounting software for many people. Sure, there will be those who wail about its faults or limitations, and there are those who will rave about its functionality. The bottom line is, it’s a very successful piece of software. In fact, we use it here at Sounds Essential HQ.

Being in the marketing business, we like to keep things consistent with our branding – helps build recognition and awareness through all avenues. So if B follows A, your QuickBooks invoice template should reflect your branding with your logo and your brand standards font, at the very least. And this isn’t actually that hard. We did it and we were happy with it, until…

No, not that UPS (though the color brown does play heavily into this blog posting and our <3 for logistics, too, knows no bounds.) We’re also not talking about the folks in charge -- your boss hasn’t gone to lunch yet, so minimize that Facebook page again. We’re talking about when the electrical power goes out.