is a desktop database with strong RAD (Rapid Application Development) tools, Web and AJAX support, enterprise-level SQL support, and lower pricing than FileMaker. The Alpha Five programming capabilities are heartier than those in Access and much more powerful than those in FileMaker, yet many Alpha Five applications can be built using its menus and dialogs without ever writing a line of code.

Decision tree

If your shop needs a desktop database just for Macs or for both Mac OS X and Windows, then look no further than FileMaker Pro 10. If you already use FileMaker 9, definitely upgrade to FileMaker 10.

Anyone in your shop who wants to do serious FileMaker development will prefer FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced to FileMaker Pro 10. Ordinary database users need only FileMaker Pro 10.

If you're sharing FileMaker databases widely, consider one of the Server SKUs. However, note the prices -- they aren't cheap.