Claris

Claris. It is an American software company, originally established in 1987 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apple Inc. to develop and market application software. The company is best known for its flagship database management system, FileMaker, which has evolved into a leading low-code development platform. Throughout its history, Claris has undergone several name changes and strategic shifts, reflecting the broader transformations within the personal computing industry.

History

The company was founded in January 1987 by Apple Inc. executives, including Bill Atkinson and Steve Jobs, initially operating under the name **Claris Corporation**. Its primary mission was to market software such as MacWrite and MacPaint, which had been created for the Macintosh platform. In the early 1990s, facing competition from Microsoft and its Microsoft Office suite, Claris refocused its efforts on FileMaker, divesting other product lines. A significant rebranding occurred in 1998 when the company was renamed **FileMaker, Inc.**, aligning its public identity with its most successful product. For over two decades, it operated under this name, consistently updating FileMaker Pro and expanding its capabilities for macOS and Microsoft Windows. In a major strategic pivot announced in 2019, the company reverted to its original **Claris** name, signaling a broader ambition to offer a suite of low-code tools and integration services beyond its core database application.

Products

The cornerstone of the company's portfolio is the FileMaker Platform, a versatile low-code environment used to create custom applications for iOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and the web. This platform includes FileMaker Pro for development, FileMaker Server for deployment, and FileMaker Go for mobile access. In recent years, Claris has expanded its offerings with **Claris Pro**, which integrates advanced capabilities for professional developers, and **Claris Studio**, a web-based development component. Another key product is **Claris Connect**, an integration platform as a service (iPaaS) that automates workflows between FileMaker and hundreds of third-party services like Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365. Historically, the company also developed and sold applications like ClarisWorks, which later evolved into AppleWorks, a competing office suite during the 1990s.

Corporate structure

Claris remains a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apple Inc., operating with a degree of autonomy while leveraging its parent company's resources and ecosystem. Its executive leadership has included notable figures from the Apple and software development communities, such as former CEO **Dominique Goupil**. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, with additional offices supporting global operations. Its organizational focus is divided between the continued evolution of the FileMaker Platform and the development of new Claris Enterprise tools aimed at corporate IT departments and professional developers. This structure allows it to maintain its deep roots in the Apple developer community while pursuing growth in the broader business software market.

Impact and legacy

The company has had a profound impact on the database software industry, making powerful relational database tools accessible to non-programmers through FileMaker's intuitive interface. It cultivated a dedicated global community of developers and businesses, particularly in vertical markets like education, non-profit organizations, and small business management. The 2019 rebranding and shift toward a comprehensive low-code platform positioned Claris as a significant player in the modern movement to democratize application development, competing with platforms like Microsoft Power Apps and Mendix. Its enduring legacy includes preserving a unique segment of Apple's software history, bridging the era of classic Macintosh applications to contemporary cloud computing and mobile technology.

See also

* Apple Inc. * FileMaker * Low-code development platform * Database management system * History of Apple Inc. * Steve Jobs

Category:Software companies of the United States Category:Apple Inc. subsidiaries Category:Companies based in Santa Clara County, California