FileMaker, Inc. is previewing FileMaker Mobile 2.1 at DEMOmobile 2002 this week. The company said it plans to ship the new mobile database software, which adds support for the Pocket PC 2002 operating system and for bar code scanning, on September 30th.

FileMaker Mobile 2.1 allows users to transfer and synchronize data between FileMaker Pro databases on desktop computers and handheld Palm OS or Pocket PC devices. FileMaker Mobile 2.1 also gives users of the Symbol iPaq sleeve SPS3000, Rugged Pocket PC (PPT2800) or CSM 150 Springboard, the ability to scan bar code labels directly into FileMaker Mobile databases for streamlined data entry.

According to the company, FileMaker Mobile 2.1 delivers a "load-and-go" approach to mobile information. Users select and load the FileMaker data they require, from their desktop computer to the Pocket PC or Palm OS handheld. Later, the data on the handheld may be synchronized with the desktop database via Pocket PC's ActiveSync or Palm HotSync technologies.

FileMaker Mobile 2.1, compatible with FileMaker Pro 6 and 5.5 v2, runs on handhelds with Pocket PC 2002, Palm OS 3.1 or greater and desktop computers with Windows 2000, 98, Me, NT 4.0, XP, Mac OS X v10.1, or Mac OS 8.1 - 9.2. Mac OS X use requires Palm HotSync Manager 3.0.