While I’ve been to more than 20 Claris Engage and DevCon events, Claris Engage 2025 was different – this one was special. In my new role as Claris platform evangelist, I had the privilege of connecting with hundreds of problem solvers – several newcomers and many community trailblazers – from around the world. Together we celebrated a lot of legendary solutions, reflected on 40 years of Claris FileMaker, and explored exciting innovation potential ahead.
Check out the highlights of our 26th developer conference.
Looking back and reimaging the future.
Andrew LeCates, director of product marketing and evangelism, took us on a nostalgic, yet forward-looking, journey through the evolution of FileMaker – from its groundbreaking launch in 1986 as the first GUI database to its pivotal role in shaping modern app development.
Remember when WYSIWYG was a game-changer? When FileMaker pioneered cross-platform compatibility for Mac and Windows in the early ‘90s? From there, we all built relational database solutions, published to the web, embraced mobility with FileMaker Go, and ultimately expanded into the cloud.
It’s incredible when I think how far all of us have come. And every step of the way, Claris has stayed true to its purpose: making advanced technology accessible to more people.
Andrew encouraged everyone to reimagine the platform as the foundation for a workplace operating system. As he put it, “This isn’t just software … it’s the innovation backbone for creative problem solvers everywhere.”
Advancing beyond the AI hype.
I’d say if there was one resounding theme at Claris Engage 2025, it was artificial intelligence. Not just in theory but in real-world use. Session after session, the Claris team emphasized how problem solvers are best positioned to harness AI. Ryan McCann, Claris CEO, made it clear: “There’s magic that happens when problem solvers, pro developers, and the Claris platform come together.”
Ryan further explained, “AI is revolutionizing software development at an unprecedent pace … shifting the market in our favor.” That’s because of the unlimited power of customization combined with valuable business data – both fueled by FileMaker.
Let me make it clear that AI won’t replace developers – you all are more important than ever. AI will empower you, giving you development superpowers. With FileMaker, you already have the data and customization capabilities to integrate generative AI into your custom apps today.
Empowering rapid innovation.
With AI as a core component in FileMaker, you can innovate faster than before, and more cost-effectively, too. The tools empower you to create new, rich user experiences, such as letting people use natural language to interact with a custom app and unlocking data that wasn’t easily accessible.
I can’t emphasis this enough:
Customization + AI + Deep data = More powerful business solutions
"AI isn't just accelerating innovation. It's widening the gap between those who are ready and those who aren't."
- Giuliano Iacobelli, VP of Product Management
“AI isn’t just accelerating innovation. It’s widening the gap between those who are ready and those who aren’t,” stated Giuliano Iacobelli, VP of Product Management. The good news? If you’re a FileMaker developer now, you’re already ahead since adding AI to your custom apps is just a few script steps away.
Jump into AI by becoming more familiar with large language models (LLMs), semantic search, and other capabilities currently available. Learn what’s new for FileMaker and AI integration now, so you’re ready for additional AI features when Claris releases the 2025 version of FileMaker later this year.
Deepening innovation potential with AI.
You can leverage LLMs, securely deploy local AI models, and customize AI functionality using our Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) features. These tools let you build sophisticated AI-driven apps with:
- Improved searches that make it easier to surface relevant data and images.
- Semantic searches using natural language.
- The ability to find information based on meaning and context, not exact keyword matches.
- Boosted data-driven insights.
Since we know AI is here to stay, Claris has taken a muti-year approach to enhance FileMaker with even more AI capabilities, with some game-changing features now in development for FileMaker 2025. Claris product manager Ronnie Rios gave a look forward into where we’re headed, showcasing the future of agentic systems – intelligent software capable of independently planning and executing tasks.
He stated, “Creating agentic systems isn’t that difficult. However, creating reliable agents is, and that requires a full-stack approach.” These AI tools empower developers to create rich, new user experiences like never before.
Explore resources for intermediate and advanced skill levels.
Sign up for Ronnie’s upcoming Community Live on AI and FileMaker.
Taking a full-stack platform approach.
I’ve focused a lot on AI, and while it has significant capabilities, it’s just an enabler and totally dependent on the foundation it builds on – a strong, unified platform like ours. The real breakthroughs happen when AI augments a development platform rich with capabilities.
That’s why Claris is deeply committed to a unified platform approach.
- FileMaker remains at the core of the platform. It’s optimized for internal teams running complex operations.
- Claris Studio expands the platform’s capabilities for responsive, external-facing web solutions, deepening data gathering.
- Claris Connect integrates data seamlessly across systems with APIs, allowing you to automate your whole tech stack.
Big news: Giuliano Iacobelli announced that FileMaker plus Claris Studio and Claris Connect are accessible through a unified license model, ensuring problem solvers with active licensing get access to the full value of the Claris platform.
Learn more about the new licensing model.
Unlocking new possibilities with Claris Studio and Claris Connect.
Claris Studio is a breakthrough for those of you wanting seamless external-facing solutions, dynamic client portals, and intuitive web experiences. It’s a better way to increase the power of your business data.
According to Claris product manager Robert Holsey, “The ability to easily extend your solution to the web gives you the power to seamlessly connect internal teams and external users within a single, unified stack of custom software systems.”
"The ability to easily extend your solution to the web gives you the power to seamlessly connect internal teams and external users within a single, unified stack of customer software systems."
- Robert Holsey, Claris product manager
Recent Claris Studio enhancements include iFrame embedding, form pre-filling, and integration with external identity providers, and custom views will be available soon. Plus, there’s a new Claris Studio connector in Claris Connect that lets developers automate and scale solutions more easily.
Not yet using Claris Studio? If you’re an active FileMaker customer, you can get it today. Sign up now.
Watch an overview demo of Claris Studio.
Creating a clear path for continuous digital transformation.
During the keynote address, Ann Devens, Marketing VP, emphasized the Claris team’s commitment to your success and sustained innovation. Digital transformation isn’t a one-time event – it’s a journey with key milestones, including:
- Identifying the problem. Great solutions start with challenges. Problem solvers turn to Claris for custom solutions that drive real value.
- Achieving the first win. The first successful app is a breakthrough moment, provinga custom solution can transform how a business operates.
- Scaling success. Seeing the first solution’s impact sparks momentum to optimize and innovate across the organization.
- Futureproofing through innovation. Forward-thinking problem solvers keep iterating, evolving, and building new solutions that drive progress.
Ann summed it up: “Digital transformation isn’t just about what you build today. It’s about ensuring you have access to the right people and resources to enhance your skills for building in the future.”
That’s exactly why Claris is committed to your success—both in getting started as well as growing and thriving. From self-paced courses and certifications in Claris Academy to livestreams and hands-on Explorer Labs, we’re constantly evolving our resources to help developers at all skill levels. Dive into the Claris Community and take advantage of everything available to help enhance your dev skills.
Prefer an expert create a tailored solution for you? A Claris Partner can help. Explore success stories to see how partners drive digital transformation and continuous improvement.
Celebrating innovation from the past year.
During the keynote, Marie Normand, Andrew LeCates, and I announced the winners of the 2024 Claris Excellence Awards, recognizing developers and partners who pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with Claris technology. And the room erupted when Wim Decorte from Soliant Consulting received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the community.
Check out the full list of award recipients and celebrate their achievements with us.
Saying goodbye to a Claris legend.
As we marked 40 years of FileMaker, we also took a moment to honor a true Claris legend. Ryan McCann gave a heartfelt toast to Andrew LeCates, who is retiring after more than three decades of dedication to Claris.
"I just feel lucky I picked up FileMaker 37 years ago. It gave me a career I’m proud of and deep friendships with fellow developers around the world. Now as I look forward, I’m more excited than ever by what Claris has in store for our platform. So, you can bet I’ll still be building with Claris and learning new AII capabilities along with our community," Andrew exclaimed.
On a personal note, I want to thank Andrew for his tremendous dedication, leadership, ability to communicate the complex clearly, and especially his friendship over the past 24+ years I’ve known him. You’ll be missed at Claris, my friend.
Looking toward the future.
Overall, I believe Claris Engage 2025 painted a vibrant picture of where we are today and where we’re headed – into a future brimming with potential and powered by creativity, innovation, and AI magic.
Let’s keep solving problems, pushing boundaries, and building incredible solutions together.