When I started using FileMaker (back w/ version 7) I had no experience with relation databases. Despite that, I was fairly quickly able to build complex data-based applications. In my situation, I built a student information system that tracked attendance and grades, created schedules, generated invoices and managed applications. I found the power, flexibility and ease of use of FileMaker to be really great.

1. There is definitely a learning curve as it isn't quite like any of the other tools out there. 2. It can be tricky to integrate with some things because it isn't so common. 3. Because it's so flexible, it's easy for a single developer to build very complicated, custom applications, which can mean you end up with something that only that developer truly understand which creates sustainability risk.