Macy’s Chooses FileMaker Pro 9 Database Software to Manage World-Famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - May 2008 - FileMaker Pro 9 has been selected by Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group as the database software platform to manage the information system for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® in New York City. FileMaker Pro, the best-selling easy-to-use database software, will be used by the Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group to manage the myriad of information on the people, including the thousands of volunteers, and logistics required to ensure the smooth flow of all the magnificent helium balloons, floats, singers, dancers, performers and celebrities along the streets of New York City into Herald Square.

“With more than 5,000 people potentially participating in this year’s parade, our new FileMaker Pro 9 databases will bring together all the required functions for the parade into one manageable, networked solution,” said Robin Hall, senior vice president, Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group.

Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group, including its fabled Parade Studio in Hoboken, N.J., will take advantage of a networked FileMaker Pro solution for a variety of tasks, including costume inventory and assignment, float and balloon inventory and location, and volunteer history and assignment.

Before FileMaker Pro was deployed, the database for the parade was originally built in Microsoft Access and its operation required programming knowledge beyond the basic consumer level. This caused delays and resulted in the need to export all work from Microsoft Access queries into Microsoft Excel documents to find specific information in a user-friendly manner.

“With our new FileMaker database system, time-consuming tasks such as assigning volunteers parade responsibilities have been reduced from about 10 days to just one or two days, and more important, we can better meet the needs and specifications of each individual, group and staff member,” said Hall.

Future expansion of the Macy’s Parade database will involve Web-published content, including online registration for volunteer participation in the parade.