The history of Claris, officially known as Claris International Inc., is a fascinating journey that began as a software spin-off from Apple Computer and has evolved through various transformations.
The Genesis: Spin-off from Apple
Claris International Inc. was initially established as a distinct software company in 1987, spun off from its parent company, Apple Computer. The primary motivation behind this separation was to clearly delineate Apple's software development efforts from its core hardware business. This strategic move aimed to allow Claris to operate with greater agility and focus solely on software innovation.
Upon its inception, Claris was entrusted with the code and publishing rights to several foundational programs that had been developed within Apple. Notably among these were MacWrite and MacPaint, two popular early applications for the Macintosh platform that helped define the graphical user interface experience.
Growth and Key Products (1980s - 1990s)
After its spin-off, Claris rapidly grew into a significant software vendor, renowned for its user-friendly and powerful applications, particularly for the Macintosh.
- Initial Offerings: Building on the legacy of MacWrite and MacPaint, Claris continued to develop and refine these, along with other productivity tools.
- FileMaker's Ascendance: The most enduring and successful product for Claris was arguably FileMaker. What began as a simple database program blossomed under Claris into a powerful, cross-platform solution for managing information, evolving into a cornerstone of its product portfolio.
- Integrated Suites: Claris also developed integrated software suites, such as ClarisWorks (later AppleWorks), which bundled word processing, spreadsheet, database, drawing, and painting functionalities into a single, affordable package.
- Other Notable Software: The company also released products like MacDraw, Claris Impact, and even a web page authoring tool, Claris Home Page, demonstrating its diverse interests in desktop publishing, graphics, and early web development.
Key Product Milestones
| Year | Key Claris Product Development/Event |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Claris spun off from Apple. |
| Late 1980s | Focus on MacWrite, MacPaint, MacDraw. |
| Early 1990s | FileMaker Pro becomes a flagship product. |
| 1991 | Introduction of ClarisWorks. |
| Mid-1990s | Expansion into internet tools (Claris Home Page). |
Return to the Fold: Claris as a Division of Apple (1998-2019)
In 1998, a significant shift occurred in Claris's history when Apple decided to reintegrate Claris's operations back into its own structure. The company was rebranded as FileMaker Inc., signaling a strategic decision to narrow its focus primarily on the development and promotion of the highly successful FileMaker platform. For over two decades, FileMaker Inc. operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Apple, dedicating its resources to enhancing the FileMaker product line, which continued to be a robust solution for custom app development.
Re-Emergence as Claris International Inc. (2019-Present)
In August 2019, Apple announced another strategic move: FileMaker Inc. was once again rebranded as Claris International Inc. This change marked a renewed emphasis on broader software development beyond just FileMaker, with a vision to offer a wider array of low-code development tools and services. The re-establishment of the Claris name underscored its commitment to innovation in the rapidly evolving landscape of workplace productivity and custom application solutions. Today, Claris International Inc. continues to develop the FileMaker platform, while also exploring new tools and technologies to empower users to build powerful, custom solutions.
