I had been running a couple of data bases using Bento 3 software on a 12-year-old MacBook Pro. The data bases originated way back on an Apple IIe using the original AppleWorks software, eventually migrating to Bento when AppleWorks would no longer run. Frankly I was quite satisfied with Bento and would have been happy to continue with it indefinitely. Unfortunately, when it came time to replace the old MacBook Pro, I discovered Bento would not run on newer Mac’s. After some research it looked like my only option was to go with Filemaker Pro, software from the same Apple subsidiary that made Bento. Two big problems became apparent: First, Filemaker Pro is expensive. Very expensive. And, second, figuring out how to make Filemaker Pro do what I needed appeared daunting to a non-techie. And Filemaker Pro seemed like using an 18-wheeler to do a job better suited to a compact pick-up truck.
A friend suggested I check out Tap Forms 5 made by Tap Zapp Software Inc. The price seemed eminently reasonable. In describing their product Tap Zapp explicitly mentioned Tap Forms 5 was an ideal platform for migrating from Bento. I decided to give it a try.
Tap Forms provided easily understood directions on how to make the migration work. When I ran into roadblocks (I had to convert Bento 3 to Bento 4 and Bento 4 would not run on any of the three Mac’s I had at hand, Brendan, a Tap Forms developer at Tap Zapp, offered to do the necessary conversions for me. Long story short: the migration was easier than when I went from AppleWorks to Bento. I am very happy with the Tap Forms software and especially with the personal help I was given to solve my unique problems.
If you are a Bento user looking for a long-term solution you simply cannot go wrong with Tap Forms 5. Even if you are not migrating from Bento this is a great software package. I highly recommend the company, the product, and the staffers who are available to help you make the migration!