Let’s set the scene.
Rome, 2024.
The weather? Perfect.
The audience? Ready to explore.
The vibes? Electric.
Enter Douglas Wallis, our very own Claris Knight, armed with a PowerPoint and enough charisma to make a Vulcan crack a smile.
His mission? To take us on a journey through the future of FileMaker and convince us that Claris is not just keeping up with the times—it’s light-years ahead.
Spoiler alert: It worked.
A New Hope for FileMaker Developers
The session kicked off with Wallis’s warm yet commanding stage presence (seriously, someone get this man a TED Talk). He didn’t just talk about FileMaker’s future; he painted it. And boy, was it colorful. Think bold updates, seamless integrations, and a platform so flexible it could teach yoga. But beyond the technical spiel, Douglas dropped some real gems.
For instance: did you know Claris is doubling down on low-code? Of course you did. But hearing it framed as “empowering developers to be the superheroes their businesses need” hit differently.
Call it marketing genius or call it nerdy charm—either way, I was hooked.
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The Roadmap: More Thrills than a Marvel Movie
You think roadmaps are boring? Think again.
Wallis managed to make “platform updates” sound as exciting as the latest MCU post-credit scene.
Here’s the TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read — in other words, a quick summary for the busy ones):
- AI Integration: FileMaker is getting smarter, and no, it won’t try to overthrow humanity (we think).
- Enhanced Cloud Tools: Because everything is better in the cloud, including your ability to flex on Slack.
- Community-Driven Development: Claris is basically asking you what you want next. It’s like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, but with code.
- Usability for All Levels: Whether you’re a Padawan or a Jedi Master, FileMaker has your back.
Why Douglas’s Vision Matters
This isn’t just corporate fluff, people.
Claris genuinely wants to make your life easier—and more fun.
Whether you’re managing a small business, running IT for a mega-corp, or building apps in your mom’s basement (we see you, hustler), the updates are designed to keep you at the top of your game.
And let’s not forget the community. Douglas highlighted how Claris’s future is intertwined with its users. Think of it as a giant nerdy family reunion, but without the awkward “What do you do for work?” conversations.
My Personal Take
The recent vibe from Claris is something I genuinely enjoy. They’ve been everywhere lately—partner channels, conferences—with an enthusiasm that feels fresh and content that’s engaging. Sure, it’s marketing, but it doesn’t feel hollow or overly self-congratulatory. Instead, there’s a sociable, conversational tone to their approach.
Maybe it’s just my obsession with the idea of “Claris People” showing through. For me, these individuals should feel tangible, approachable, and key to bridging the gap between developers and the company. And right now, Claris seems to be leaning into this mindset beautifully. It’s not just about the tools they offer but the people behind them who shape the narrative.
This shift even has me rethinking the platform itself. Despite being positively transformed with modern updates, Claris still faces challenges in securing the recognition it deserves in markets beyond the U.S. However, this renewed focus on connection and approachability gives me hope that they’re on the right track.
Closing Thoughts: Is Claris the Gandalf of App Development?
As Douglas wrapped up his session with a mic-drop-worthy “This is just the beginning,” it was clear: Claris is setting the standard for low-code development. Whether you’re here for the tech, the innovation, or just to flex on LinkedIn about attending, there’s no denying the energy and excitement around FileMaker’s future.
So, is Claris the Jedi Order of low-code? Maybe. Or maybe it’s the Gandalf. Either way, one thing’s for sure: the future looks brighter than a lightsaber at Comic-Con. And honestly? We’re just happy to be along for the ride.
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