X

Claris becomes FileMaker, Inc.; keeps FileMaker Pro and Home Page; other products move to Apple; Emailer future still cloudy

Claris becomes FileMaker, Inc.; keeps FileMaker Pro and Home Page; other products move to Apple; Emailer future still cloudy

CNET staff
Apple Computer has announced that "its Claris subsidiary will restructure to focus exclusively on its award-winning FileMaker Pro line of database software. This restructuring will include changing the Company name to FileMaker, Inc., divesting of products other than the FileMaker Pro line, and laying-off approximately 300 Claris employees."

Beginning February 1 in the USA and April 1 internationally, Apple will distribute all Apple-branded software, including Mac OS 8. In addition, Apple will develop, distribute and support ClarisWorks integrated productivity software.

In a letter to customers posted to the Claris web site, Dominique Goupil adds a bit more information: "FileMaker, Inc. will keep the FileMaker line (which will include Claris Home Page). The Claris Emailer, ClarisDraw, ClarisImpact and Claris Organizer product lines will move to Apple."

This news explains Claris' almost exclusive focus on FileMaker Pro and Home Page at its Macworld Expo booth earlier this month (as had been reported on MacFixIt) and the related reports of Emailer's demise. Some details still remain fuzzy. For example, Claris states that Emailer will be moving to Apple, but Apple does not mention this in its press release. This could mean that Apple plans to dump Emailer. Stay tuned.

Also see this Q&A file from Claris.