Upgrading Older Versions of FileMaker

Many businesses still rely on FileMaker databases that were developed 10, 15 or even 20 years ago. Although these systems often continue to work, they can become difficult to support as Windows, macOS and FileMaker itself evolve.

We specialise in upgrading older FileMaker databases—from FileMaker Pro to the latest supported Claris FileMaker release while preserving your existing data and business processes.

We regularly upgrade systems built in:

FileMaker 7
FileMaker 8
FileMaker 9
FileMaker 10
FileMaker 11
FileMaker 12
FileMaker 13
FileMaker 14
FileMaker 15
FileMaker 16
FileMaker 17
FileMaker 18
FileMaker 19

Why upgrade an older FileMaker database?

Upgrading to the latest version of Claris FileMaker improves compatibility with modern versions of Windows and macOS, provides ongoing security updates, improves performance and allows your database to benefit from the latest FileMaker features while preserving your existing data.

What makes a FileMaker upgrade straightforward?

No unsupported plug-ins

If your solution uses plug-ins that are still available, upgrading is usually much simpler.

Developer access

Having full developer access means we can modify scripts, layouts and calculations where necessary.

No new functionality

By not wanting to initially add any new functionality during the upgrade you keep costs down.

Suitable hardware

The machines you are wanting to use are capable or running the latest version of FileMaker.

Common issues when upgrading older FileMaker systems

Unsupported plug-ins
Some older plug-ins are no longer maintained. Where necessary we replace their functionality with modern FileMaker features or rewrite the affected code.

Older hardware
Older Macs and Windows PCs may not support current versions of FileMaker and may need upgrading.

Operating system compatibility
Many customers upgrade because Windows or macOS updates prevent older versions of FileMaker from working reliably.

Developer access
If the database has lost its full access password we first need to determine whether it can be recovered.

Our FileMaker upgrade process

Review the existing database.
Identify compatibility issues.
Create a test upgrade.
Resolve any issues.
User testing.
Deploy the upgraded system.
Provide ongoing support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you upgrade FileMaker 11?

Yes. We regularly upgrade FileMaker 11 solutions to the latest version of Claris FileMaker. The database itself can usually be upgraded successfully, although any plug-ins, third-party integrations or deprecated features need to be checked for compatibility with the latest release.

Can I skip several FileMaker versions?

Yes. It is not necessary to upgrade through every intermediate version. We can upgrade databases from much older versions of FileMaker directly to the latest release. The exact process depends on the version you are currently running and any features your solution uses.

Will I lose my data?

No. Your existing data is preserved throughout the upgrade process. We always recommend working from a copy of your live database so that your original system remains untouched until the upgraded version has been fully tested.

How long does a FileMaker upgrade take?

Simple upgrades without unsupported plug-ins or major compatibility issues can often be completed within a few hours. Larger or more complex systems may take longer, particularly if code needs updating or extensive testing is required.

Can you upgrade FileMaker Server?

Yes. We can upgrade both FileMaker Server and your FileMaker Pro clients. It is important that the server version is compatible with the versions of FileMaker Pro being used by your users, and we will advise on the most appropriate upgrade path.

What happens if my plug-ins are no longer available?

If your solution relies on a plug-in that is no longer supported, we will assess the functionality it provides and, where necessary, replace it by rewriting the affected code. While this can increase the time required for the upgrade, it often results in a more future-proof solution.

Do I need new FileMaker licences?

If you have a current Claris licensing agreement, such as FileMaker Teams, you may already be entitled to the latest version. If you own a perpetual licence for an older version, new licences will normally be required.

Can you upgrade FileMaker remotely?

Yes. Most FileMaker upgrades can be carried out remotely using secure remote access, allowing us to work with clients throughout the UK and internationally.

Our Clients Say

With over 9,000 applicants and a database of over 2,800 properties the prospect of producing a relational database with connectivity to our existing websites SQL server was something we viewed with trepidation. However Ditronic handled it with minimal fuss and the transfer was remarkably painless, especially as it was within budget and delivered precisely to the timescale we were promised. The Filemaker Management system has a CMS system and offers pdf mailouts. We are also able to bulk e mail Applicants with exciting new properties which has been invaluable in generating new interest.

Sarah Francis. MD Sifex

‘Paddington’ relied heavily on the hosting, crew records and purchase order system developed in conjunction with Ditronic (Filemaker Specialists?). Russell created an HTML front end which allows the film crew to enter their details remotely. This has been a huge time saving system which we could never even contemplate going back to the archaic system we had before dealing with up to a 1000 crew. With the high pressure environment that exists in film making it is easy to make mistakes but this takes out that whole loop as the crew members put in their details in their own time thus making is accurate and giving more time back to the production office. The system has since been even further advanced and is now operating very successfully on Paddington 2.

Tim Wellspring, UPM, Paddington2

As a small business our time is important to us and we could not devote any of it to developing a database or altering databases that are already in the public domain. We designed a simple flowchart around our day-to-day activities and asked Ditronic Software to design a bespoke database. Russell designed and provided a beta version in a short time and after testing by us and sending reports back to Ditronic Software the database was tweaked until we were satisfied. The database now forms a vital part of our business allowing us to concentrate on what we do best without having to worry about the integrity of our supporting information. The database is like having a part timer in the business who is responsible for tracking our information and carrying out the invoicing procedures at no cost to the business with regards to wages.

Ditronic Software

Upgrading FileMaker