Bento iPad and iPhone app targets SMEs

Software firm Filemaker has released updated versions of its database system for the Mac, iPhone and iPad, incorporating features that are specifically aimed at SMEs.

The iPhone and iPad Bento apps now include the ability to record voice notes, which can be synced with a Mac. This could be useful for business users who regularly attend meetings and need to capture notes, the firm said.

Other key features include the ability to automatically record the location where data is entered, useful for those who regularly carry out site inspections, or log customer visits, for example.

Filemaker has also built in support for iCal into the iPhone app, allowing users to edit list data on the smarpthone.

The Bento apps are priced at £2.99 each and are available from the Apple App Store. Current owners of Bento for iPhone or Bento for iPad are eligible for a free update.

Bento 4 for Mac brings additional features to the desktop. SMEs can use the database software to record customer records, and track stock, invoice and payment details, as well as use it to calculate tax returns, the firm said.

Key additions include the ability to create spreadsheet lists and export data within templates, explained Ryan Griggs, product manager of Bento.

"Label printing was also one our most requested features from our user base. We've also added the ability export data along with Bento templates," he said.

Users can create custom labels or choose from more than 250 ready-to-use Avery and Dymo label formats for mailing labels, inventory tags, name badges or file folders. Labels can be customised with information from your database and with images, he noted.

Other features include easier iTunes style searching and improved form printing using themes that save ink, while the ability to lock forms  prevents users from making accidental changes to the layout of a form, Griggs continued.

There are 35 Bento templates that can be used out-of-the-box and the Template Exchange allows users to download over 800 additional ones.

Bento 4 for Mac is priced at £29.99 or £59.99 for a pack of five licenses. The software is available through the Mac App store, FileMaker Store and Apple retail stores. Bento 1, 2 and 3 user will receive a £10 rebate.