FileMaker announced the immediate availability of FileMaker Pro 8.5 on Monday. The updated version of the relational database development application adds Universal Binary support, allowing it to run natively on PowerPC and Intel-based Macs. It also adds live web data support, which allows you to attach a Web page to specific fields in your database. For example, you can display maps based on an address field, or track package deliveries. FileMaker Pro 8.5 also adds FileMaker Learning Center so that users can learn the application features at their own pace.
FileMaker Pro 8.5 is priced at US$299, and FileMaker Pro Advanced is $499. FileMaker Pro 8.0 and FileMaker Pro Advanced 8.0 users can upgrade for $99.
FileMaker also announced the FileMaker Server 8.0 and FileMaker Server 8.0 v4 updates. The Universal Binary updates for the server applications are available on CD from FileMaker for $49. A free bug fix-only version of the update that does not include Universal Binary support is available as a free download at the FileMaker Web site.