The requirements for business software are changing. Today, companies don’t just expect an ERP solution to reliably handle their day-to-day tasks. They also want to retain the freedom to customize their software to fit their own workflows and decide for themselves on which technical platform they will run it in the future. For companies that already use FileMaker in particular, protecting existing investments also plays an important role.
With a new special promotion, we’d like to combine this idea with particularly attractive terms: Through September 30, 2026, you’ll receive all licenses from gFM-Business Professional with 50 percent off on the regular license price. The upgrade to the upcoming version, gFM-Business 9, is already included with these promotional licenses.
At the same time, we are currently working on the completion of SchallOS Studio, a new development and runtime platform for custom Enterprise software. The release is scheduled for late fall 2026. With this current promotion, we therefore aim not only to offer a particularly affordable way to get started with gFM-Business, but also to give our customers the freedom to decide for themselves later on the technical path their solution will take.
An open ERP solution for customized needs
gFM-Business has been developed on the FileMaker platform for many years and is aimed specifically at small and medium-sized businesses that do not want to use their business software exclusively as a fixed, off-the-shelf product.
Open-source licenses therefore take a different approach than many traditional ERP systems. You receive business software that has already been extensively developed, but you can also customize it to meet the specific needs of your business. Existing functions and processes can be expanded, custom workflows can be integrated, and user interfaces can be tailored to your specific requirements.
This may be of particular interest to companies that already use FileMaker. For example, if a company has its own FileMaker Server If this infrastructure is already in place, gFM-Business can be integrated into it. There is no need to implement an additional platform to run this version of FileMaker.
An open gFM Business license thus combines two approaches: You don't start with a blank development environment, but with a ready-made ERP solution. At the same time, you retain the flexibility to create a customized FileMaker solution.
50 percent off all Professional licenses
During the promotional period, the regular license prices for the Professional versions will be reduced by half.
It is important to note that promotional licenses are not special versions with limited functionality. These licenses are simply offered at discounted rates during the limited promotional period.
Upgrade to gFM-Business 9 is already included
Future developments of the FileMaker version are also taken into account. The upgrade to gFM-Business 9 is already included in the purchase price of the promotional licenses. Anyone who opts for an open license during the promotion will receive not only the current version of gFM-Business, but also the next generation of the FileMaker-based ERP solution.
For now, everything will remain as it is: Companies can continue to run gFM-Business on their existing FileMaker infrastructure, customize it, and integrate it into existing processes.
SchallOS then adds an additional option. Those who wish to continue running their FileMaker solution indefinitely can do so. On the other hand, those who would like to consider migrating to the new platform at a later date should also be able to take that route.
That is precisely the core idea behind this promotion: You invest today in an open and productive ERP solution without having to commit to tomorrow’s technical path.
Continue to Use Existing FileMaker Infrastructure
For companies that already use FileMaker, a very practical question often arises when introducing new business software: Why replace an existing, functioning infrastructure if it continues to meet current requirements? Servers are set up, user accounts are in place, data backups are configured, and the company may have developed its own solutions and workflows over the years.
The current 50 percent discount promotion may be of particular interest to these companies. An open gFM Business license can be integrated into an existing FileMaker environment and used there as a standalone ERP solution or as a starting point for further custom development. This does not require a fundamental overhaul of the existing technical infrastructure.
Continue to Make Use of Existing Investments
An existing FileMaker environment has a value that is not determined solely by the original license costs. Often, a significant portion of the actual investment lies in setting up the server, developing custom solutions, adapting workflows, and, not least, the employees’ experience with the existing systems. A new ERP solution therefore does not necessarily mean abandoning these investments.
gFM-Business is itself based on FileMaker and can be run on an existing FileMaker infrastructure. This allows companies to adopt a comprehensive ERP foundation while continuing to use their existing technical environment. This is particularly true if they already operate their own FileMaker Server and have the necessary client licenses. Instead of implementing an entirely new infrastructure, the existing environment can initially be expanded to include gFM-Business.
Don't start from scratch again
The development of custom business software often begins with requirements that are common to nearly every business. Customers and contacts must be managed, products maintained, quotes and invoices created, and documents organized. In addition, there are numerous smaller functions that seem like a given for day-to-day operations, but whose development in a new solution can take a considerable amount of time.
An open gFM Business license therefore takes a different approach. Instead of redeveloping these fundamentals, a comprehensive ERP solution is already available that can then be customized to meet the company’s specific needs.
This may be of particular interest to FileMaker developers. The existing structures serve as a starting point from which additional functions, custom processes, or industry-specific enhancements can be implemented. Furthermore, existing FileMaker solutions do not necessarily have to be completely replaced. Depending on the requirements, existing systems can continue to be operated, integrated, or gradually merged with gFM-Business.
The open license thus strikes a balance between off-the-shelf software and a fully customized solution.
Can also be used with older versions of FileMaker
Another advantage for existing FileMaker users is gFM-Business’s broad version compatibility. The current solution is backward compatible with FileMaker 17 and earlier, meaning it can also be used in companies that do not work with the latest version of FileMaker. An existing and reliably operating FileMaker environment therefore does not need to be upgraded to a current version solely for the purpose of using gFM-Business.
This can be particularly important for established installations. Many companies run their FileMaker solutions for extended periods on a system environment that has been set up once and proven reliable. As long as this environment meets operational requirements, there is often little reason to upgrade functioning workstations and servers simply because of a new application. Compatibility all the way back to FileMaker 17 therefore makes it easier to integrate gFM-Business into existing installations and continue to leverage existing investments. The decision on whether and when it will make sense to update the FileMaker platform or switch to SchallOS can be made independently of this.
The decision rests with the company
Technological transitions in companies rarely happen overnight. Existing processes, customizations, and accumulated data cannot be meaningfully evaluated based solely on the release date of a new platform.
The current licensing promotion takes this into account. Anyone who purchases an open gFM-Business license today can continue to use their existing FileMaker infrastructure and, at the same time, receive gFM-Business 9—the upcoming version of the FileMaker-based solution.
Whether and when another step toward SchallOS will be taken in the future remains a decision to be made independently. The intention is not to mandate a specific migration, but rather to preserve precisely what is particularly important for individual enterprise software: the freedom to tailor the technical approach to the actual needs of one’s own company.
gFM-Business 9 included and ready for SchallOS
The current 50-percent promotion is not limited to the version of gFM-Business available today. The upgrade to gFM-Business 9 is already included in the purchase price for all open licenses purchased during the promotion period. This gives customers access to yet another new generation of the FileMaker-based ERP solution, which—in addition to offering new features—also prepares them for the transition to the next-generation platform.
gFM-Business 9 will include various enhancements and improvements, while remaining true to the proven FileMaker foundation. This means that existing workflows and customizations can continue to be used. At the same time, the new version will include features that allow an existing gFM-Business solution to be prepared for a future migration.
Advanced Processing of Incoming Invoices
Among the enhancements in gFM-Business 9 is the further development of incoming invoice management within the Invoice. Even today, incoming invoices can be entered into the system, and electronic invoices can be imported and processed. This allows incoming invoices to be managed alongside other business transactions within the ERP solution.
With gFM-Business 9, this module is expanded to include further processing of the payment transaction. In the future, payments for recorded incoming invoices can be exported as a SEPA XML file for submission to the bank. In this way, the entire process—from the receipt of an invoice through its entry and verification to the preparation of the payment—can be managed within gFM-Business.
This can simplify workflows, especially when dealing with regularly recurring incoming invoices or a large number of supplier invoices. Payment details do not need to be manually re-entered in online banking; instead, they can be made available for further processing based on the invoice and supplier data already stored in gFM-Business.
New Routing Module for Deliveries
Another new feature in gFM-Business 9 is a routing module for planning and managing deliveries. This allows deliveries and the associated routes to be organized directly within the ERP solution.
This module is designed specifically for companies that do not ship goods exclusively through parcel services or freight forwarders, but instead handle their own deliveries. Upcoming deliveries can be assigned to routes and clearly organized for further processing.
Routes can also be displayed and managed on a map view in the main menu. This provides the user with a geographic overview of upcoming deliveries in addition to the standard order and delivery data. Routes, destinations, and related tasks can thus be viewed in their immediate context.
The new feature enhances gFM-Business, particularly for retail, manufacturing, and service companies that manage part of their logistics in-house and may have previously had to use additional tools or separate solutions to do so.
Further improvements in numerous areas
In addition to these major new features, gFM-Business 9 includes further enhancements and refinements in various areas of the ERP solution. The focus is less on a fundamental change to existing work processes and more on the consistent further development of existing functions and workflows.
Many of these improvements stem from requirements that arise during the practical use of gFM-Business. Existing functions are expanded, work steps are consolidated, and additional capabilities are added where external tools or manual intermediate steps were previously required.
This means that gFM-Business 9 is not merely a technical interim version on the path to gFM-NEXT. The new version remains a standalone, long-term FileMaker-based ERP solution. Companies that wish to continue operating their existing FileMaker infrastructure in the long term will thus receive, with the included upgrade, an enhanced version with additional features for everyday use.
At the same time, gFM-Business 9, with its new export feature, serves as a technical bridge to gFM-NEXT. This accommodates both development paths: long-term use on FileMaker as well as a possible future switch to SchallOS.
Export Function for gFM-NEXT
One of the key new features of gFM-Business 9 will therefore be a special export function for gFM-NEXT. Its purpose is to prepare an existing gFM-Business solution for migration to the new platform.
gFM-NEXT will be released in the fall of 2026 based on SchallOS. SchallOS is a new development and runtime platform that is currently being finalized in parallel with gFM-Business and is intended to provide, among other things, browser-based enterprise solutions as well as new capabilities for AI-powered development and automation.
The export feature in gFM-Business 9 bridges the gap between the two generations. It is designed to provide the data and structures required for migration from the existing FileMaker solution so that they can then be reused on the new platform.
This point is particularly important when it comes to an ERP solution that has been in use for years. A platform change should not mean that existing data sets and established structures have to be abandoned or completely rebuilt. That is why gFM-Business has already factored this transition into the latest generation of FileMaker.
No Obligation to Switch Platforms
However, the export feature does not mean that using gFM-Business 9 automatically requires a switch to gFM-NEXT or SchallOS. Anyone who wishes to continue using their existing FileMaker solution can still do so.
This is by design. Enterprise software is a long-term investment, and the right time to switch platforms depends on many factors. A company with an existing FileMaker Server and a well-functioning infrastructure may reach a different conclusion than a business that wants to shift toward a more browser-based workflow in the future or simplify its technical infrastructure.
gFM-Business 9 therefore initially allows you to continue working in FileMaker. The export feature simply provides an additional option should you wish to switch to another platform at a later date.
From FileMaker to gFM-NEXT on SchallOS
For companies that choose this path, this creates a clear roadmap. The starting point is the open gFM-Business solution available today. Next comes the upgrade to gFM-Business 9 included in the promotional license. From there, the solution can be migrated to gFM-NEXT on SchallOS be prepared.
The key consideration here is freedom of choice. A gFM-Business license purchased today should not lose its value simply because a new platform is introduced in the fall of 2026. It can continue to be used with FileMaker and will receive another full upgrade with gFM-Business 9. At the same time, a defined path is being created to migrate the existing solution to the new generation of platforms at a later date.
In this way, gFM-Business 9 bridges the proven FileMaker ecosystem with the next generation of gFM-Business—without forcing companies to choose between the two options today.
Keep all options open for the future with SchallOS
With gFM-Business 9, development does not stop at the limits of the FileMaker platform. In parallel with the upcoming version of gFM-Business, a new development and runtime platform called SchallOS is currently being created and is scheduled for release in late fall 2026. Based on this platform, gFM-Business Next will also be the next generation of our ERP software are available.
For purchasers of an open gFM Business license, however, this does not mean they have to decide today whether to switch platforms later. On the contrary: The current 50-percent discount promotion is deliberately designed to keep as many options open as possible. Those who want to continue using FileMaker can do so. Those who want to get to know the new platform first can work with SchallOS Studio. And those who want to migrate their gFM Business solution to gFM Business Next later will receive additional discounted terms for doing so.
Use SchallOS Studio for free
Once released, SchallOS Studio can be used free of charge. This provides FileMaker users and developers with an additional development environment without requiring them to immediately switch from their existing enterprise software.
SchallOS Studio can be used, for example, to familiarize yourself with the new platform, develop new workflows, or initially implement ideas as prototypes. This opens up the possibility—especially for companies and developers who already run their own FileMaker solutions—to test new concepts without having to modify their production FileMaker environment.
SchallOS Studio is not only intended to be useful for developing new SchallOS solutions. The platform is being developed from the outset with existing FileMaker solutions in mind. This allows Studio to also serve as a tool for analyzing and refining the structures and processes of existing solutions, as well as preparing for a potential future migration. Whether this actually results in a platform change is up to the user to decide.
50 percent discount for a later migration
Customers participating in the current promotion will enjoy an additional financial benefit. If a gFM Business solution purchased during the promotional period is later migrated to gFM-NEXT on SchallOS and put into production there, these customers will receive a 50 percent discount on the regular SchallOS usage fees for the migrated solution for the first two years.
This means the current promotion extends beyond the initial purchase. First, the purchase price of the open gFM Business license is reduced by 50 percent. The upgrade to gFM Business 9 is already included. If the customer later decides to migrate to gFM-NEXT, the corresponding SchallOS usage fees will also be reduced by 50 percent for the first two years.
Each claim can be linked to the serial number of the promotional license. If SchallOS is used at a later date, the discounted terms can then be directly applied to the eligible license.
The discount applies to the standard SchallOS usage fees for the migrated solution. It does not include custom development services, training, support services, external services, or usage-based services such as external AI services that may incur additional charges.
FileMaker today, free choice tomorrow
This creates an exceptionally flexible starting point for businesses. Those who already operate a FileMaker Server can deploy gFM-Business on their existing infrastructure and customize this open-source solution to meet their own operational needs. The included upgrade to gFM-Business 9 builds on this foundation.
After that, there is no set timeline for the next step. A FileMaker solution that works well can continue to be used. At the same time, SchallOS Studio can be used free of charge to familiarize yourself with the new platform or to develop your first projects and prototypes. And if it becomes apparent at a later date that browser-based operation with gFM-Business Next better suits your needs, a prepared migration path is also available for that.
This freedom of choice can be particularly valuable when it comes to enterprise software. Decisions regarding core business systems should not depend solely on which platform is newly available on the market. They should be made when there is a clear technical and economic benefit for the company in question.
50% Off Promotion Through September 30, 2026
The special terms for open gFM Business licenses are valid through September 30, 2026. During this period, you can purchase the participating open licenses at a 50 percent discount off the regular purchase price. The upgrade to gFM Business 9 is already included.
This promotion therefore offers an attractive opportunity, particularly for companies that already use FileMaker or are looking for an open and customizable ERP solution. Instead of having to develop custom business software from scratch, gFM-Business provides a comprehensive foundation that can be adapted to a company’s own processes and run on an existing FileMaker infrastructure.
At the same time, the investment remains open to the next generation of platforms beyond the upcoming FileMaker version. With gFM-Business 9, the planned export feature, the free SchallOS Studio, and discounted terms for future use of gFM-Business Next, a seamless path is created from today’s FileMaker solution to the upcoming SchallOS platform.
Anyone who has already considered implementing an open gFM business solution can take advantage of particularly favorable introductory terms through September 30, 2026—without having to decide today on which platform the solution will run in a few years. You can start with FileMaker, customize your solution to meet your own needs, and continue using your existing infrastructure. You decide for yourself what happens next.
Through September 30, the introductory price is only half the regular price. All features remain available.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the 50 percent promotion for gFM-Business last?
This promotion is valid through September 30, 2026. During this period, you can purchase participating gFM Business open licenses at a 50 percent discount off the regular license price. The promotional terms and conditions in effect at the time of order are applicable. - Are the promotional licenses limited versions of gFM-Business?
No. The term “50 percent promotion” refers exclusively to the reduced purchase price. You will not receive a special version with functionality limited to 50 percent, but rather the corresponding open gFM Business license at a discounted rate. The solution can be used as intended and customized individually within the scope of the respective open license. - How much does an open gFM Business license cost during the promotion?
For example, during the promotional period, the Open Basic License costs 4,500 euros instead of the regular price of 8,999 euros. The Open Unlimited license is available for 7,000 euros instead of the regular price of 13,999 euros. The regular purchase price for the other license models included in the promotion is also reduced by 50 percent. - Is the upgrade to gFM-Business 9 included in the promotional price?
Yes. The upgrade to gFM-Business 9 is already included in the purchase price of the promotional licenses. This means that buyers receive not only the currently available version, but also the next generation of the FileMaker-based gFM-Business solution. There is no additional license fee for this upgrade under the promotional license. - Can I run gFM-Business on my existing FileMaker Server?
Yes. If your company already has a suitable FileMaker infrastructure in place, gFM-Business can generally be deployed in that existing environment. This can be particularly appealing for companies that already use FileMaker Server for their own databases and business solutions, since gFM-Business does not require setting up a completely new server platform from scratch. - Do I need the latest version of FileMaker for gFM-Business?
No. gFM-Business is backward-compatible with FileMaker 17 and earlier. This means the solution can also be used in existing FileMaker environments that are not running the latest version. This can make getting started easier, especially for installations that have evolved over time, because there’s no need to overhaul a functioning environment just to use gFM-Business. - Can I customize the open gFM Business solution myself to fit my company's needs?
Yes. That is precisely where a key difference lies compared to many closed ERP systems. The open licenses are designed to allow you to adapt the solution to your specific business needs. Existing functions and workflows can be expanded, and your own processes can be integrated. This gives you a ready-made ERP foundation without having to sacrifice the flexibility of a custom FileMaker solution. The standard version allows you to modify only print layouts, while the custom version also allows you to modify forms, tables, fields, and languages. - Will I have to switch from FileMaker to SchallOS later?
No. Purchasing a promotional license does not entail any obligation to migrate at a later date. If your FileMaker environment continues to meet your business needs, you can continue to use gFM-Business on that basis. SchallOS and gFM-Business Next provide an additional option for the future, but do not mandate a specific timeline for a platform change. - What is gFM-NEXT?
gFM-NEXT will be the next generation of gFM-Business, based on the new SchallOS development and runtime platform. Its release is scheduled for fall 2026. While gFM-Business 9 continues to be based on FileMaker, gFM-NEXT will, among other things, enable browser-based operation and leverage the new development and automation capabilities of the SchallOS platform. - How can I migrate my existing gFM-Business solution to gFM-Business Next at a later date?
gFM-Business 9 will include a special export feature for gFM-Business Next. It is designed to prepare the data and structures required for migration from the existing FileMaker solution for transfer to the new platform. This ensures that the potential transition is already accounted for within the latest FileMaker-based generation of gFM-Business. - What is SchallOS Studio, and how much does it cost to use?
SchallOS Studio is the development environment for the new SchallOS platform and will be available for free after its release. This will allow FileMaker users and developers to explore the new platform without having to purchase a paid development environment right away. Among other things, Studio can be used for development, experimentation, and prototyping, as well as for preparing new or existing solutions. - Can I use SchallOS Studio without migrating my FileMaker solution?
Yes. Using SchallOS Studio is not contingent on migrating from gFM-Business or any other FileMaker solution. You can continue to run your existing FileMaker environment while getting to know SchallOS Studio in parallel or using it for development and prototyping tasks. This allows you to take your time evaluating the capabilities of the new platform before deciding on its potential use in a production environment. - What benefits will I receive if I switch to SchallOS or gFM-Business Next at a later date?
If a gFM Business solution purchased as part of this promotion is later migrated to gFM Business Next on SchallOS and operated there in production, eligible customers will receive a 50 percent discount on the regular SchallOS usage fees for the deployment of the migrated solution (e.g., hosting with SQLite or PostgreSQL, or SaaS). This makes not only the current purchase price more affordable but also a later transition to the new platform. - Does the future 50 percent discount also apply to custom development, support, or external AI services?
No. The discount applies to the regular SchallOS usage rates for the solution that is eligible under the promotion and will be migrated at a later date. Custom development work, training, additional support services, external services, and usage-based services—such as any fee-based external AI services—are not automatically included. This ensures that the promotional terms remain clearly defined even with future expansions. - Who would find the 50-percent promotion particularly appealing?
This promotion is aimed specifically at businesses, self-employed individuals, and FileMaker developers who are looking for an open and customizable ERP solution. It may be of particular interest to companies that already operate a FileMaker Server and wish to continue using their existing infrastructure. At the same time, the offer is suitable for users who are not yet ready to decide whether they want to run their business software on FileMaker in the long term or switch to a browser-based platform later on. With gFM-Business 9, the planned export feature, the free SchallOS Studio, and the discounted terms for a future migration, both paths remain open.
Markus Schall has been developing individual databases, interfaces and business applications based on Claris FileMaker since 1994. He is a Claris partner, FMM Award winner 2011 and developer of the ERP software gFM-Business. He is also a book author and founder of the M. Schall Publishers.
