FileMaker: Let's GO Mobile

Recently, Skeleton Key made an internal decision to do more development for mobile platforms because our customers are demanding it. They're identifying a clear business reason and expected return on investment.

This morning, FileMaker made it easy...

We love FileMaker.

The Log That Time Forgot

Ladies and gentlemen: the story you are about to read is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

I had a conversation yesterday with a customer who we'll call Joe. A few months ago, we saved Joe's bacon when a failing server brought his business to its knees.

Joe has developed a FileMaker application to manage almost all of the data and information that are pertinent to his business. He developed this application twelve years ago in FileMaker Pro 3. Over time, he's upgraded, extended, fed and watered his FileMaker application - keeping it healthy.

Joe's a pretty savvy guy. He's never asked for professional advice with his FileMaker application. He's also never sought expert counsel regarding his IT infrastructure which consists of a couple Apple Xserves and six to 10 workstations. It's nothing extravagant, just enough to keep his business moving forward.

Perfect...Until I received a frantic call from Joe.

FileMaker Training Series : Let's Take it to 11!

We are proud to announce that all FileMaker Training Series (FTS) curriculum and courses will cover FileMaker 11!

Skeleton Key is the only FileMaker Authorized Training provider in the central Midwest. We are one of 11 companies in the United States to be both FileMaker Authorized Trainers and FileMaker Business Alliance Platinum member. We know FileMaker and we know how to teach it to your team.

Start Small

Have you ever started a huge project and not known where to begin? We all have. It's not a comfortable position. What can compound the discomfort is the "help" you'll be offered by so called "experts." You've got some really heavy choices to make.

A One-Night Stand You'll be Proud to Tell your Mom About

Skeleton Key takes a one-night stand approach to service, and we realize sometimes we're gonna get booty calls.

Let me explain.

Free Technology Advice Will Cost You

Many IT firms provide "free advice." They expect you to pay for the hardware and software they recommend but not the recommendation. Skeleton Key takes a unique approach to this. We don't sell hardware. We don't sell software. Our value rests in the fact that these factors are not a part of our advice and recommendations. Our advice is free of conflict. Our recommendations are free of subversive intent and self serving motivations.

No qualified advice and recommendation is free. If it has value, you'll pay for it somehow.

I snagged the following snippet of text from an email Oliver Block sent explaining Skeleton Key's practice of billing for time spent documenting our work and making recommendations.

Skeleton Key Sends Two Speakers to DevCon

Connect with your world at the FileMaker Developer Conference 2010 August 15-18 (Sunday – Wednesday) at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina on Harbor Island Drive.

Skeleton Key is proud to be represented by speakers Mark Richman and Greg Lane. We'll also be hanging out at our booth in the product showcase. We hope to see you there!

8 Reasons You Need Custom Software

As you survey your business and look at your Profit & Loss report you’ve probably never thought “I wish I could spend $50,000 on a custom software application.” In fact, none of our customers have ever said those words to me. (If you’d like to make my quarter, give me a call and say it right now. ;-))

What you probably have thought recently is more along these lines:

FileMaker Training Like You've Never Seen

Skeleton Key is one of only 15 Authorized FileMaker Training Centers in the entire country and the only in the central Mid-West. We have completely revamped our FileMaker Training courses for 2010.

Please take a look at these new courses. Let us know what you think.

Happy New Year!

Hello all. Happy Monday and a belated Happy New Year! The guys here at Skeleton Key have been busy behind the scenes getting ready for a huge 2010. You can look forward to several announcements over the course of the year.

Get ready for the first one...Now.