FileMaker Vs. Outlook Database

A database is an electronic file.

FileMaker and Outlook are two completely different products -- FileMaker is a pure database program, while Outlook is an email, calendar and contact program. Outlook's database functionality isn't nearly as powerful as FileMaker's.

Significance

Only Outlook provides email functionality.

A database is a digital collection of data, which can be searched and sorted in multiple ways. The contact managers in Outlook and FileMaker are examples of databases, but the layout and fields in an Outlook database are preset, unlike FileMaker, which is customizable.

Considerations

FileMaker can create complex databases.

A FileMaker database can be extremely complex. It can be programmed in multiple ways, can generate reports, print forms or labels and its data can exported or merged into other databases. FileMaker can be used to store contacts, but the database is capable of much more complex applications.

Expert Insight

The address book function in Outlook is a simple database with limited functionality outside of the program. If you're only looking to store email addresses, then the Outlook database will suffice. For anything more powerful, including the ability to print mailing labels, then FileMaker is a better option.

References

• FileMaker: FileMaker Pro

Resources

• Microsoft: Outlook Help and How-To
• Microsoft: Outlook