Bento, the personal database for iPhone, iPad and Mac, isn't long for this world. But have no fear; CIO.com blogger James A. Martin found three quality alternative databases for iOS. FileMaker Inc. is hitting the delete key on Bento, its personal database app for iPhone, iPad and Mac. As of September 30, Bento will no longer beavailable, though it will be supported through July 30, 2014. Bento is being phased out so FileMaker can focus on its flagship database product line, according to the company. It’s a shame, because I appreciate Bento’s ease-of-use and value—it’s a good database program for just $5 (iPhone version) or $10 (for iPad). FileMaker is offering Bento for Mac users a discounted upgrade to FileMaker Pro 12, its $299 Mac and Windows desktop software, for $179. But Bento isn’t your only option. Here are a few iOS database alternatives worth considering. FileMaker Go 12 FileMaker Go 12 is free on iPhones and iPads. And the apps have some cool features, including the ability to record audio and video, then add that multimedia to a database or play it back in the app. Unfortunately, you can’t do much with the free iOS apps unless you also have a license for the desktop version of FileMaker Pro 12 ($299) or FileMaker Pro 12 Advanced ($499) for Windows or Mac. Also, database sync between devices and programs isn’t natively supported. FileMaker says you can use a “custom development” as a workaround or email database files between your iOS device and the desktop software. HanDBase HanDBase has been around since the days of Palm’s mobile OS. The app is similar to Bento in that its interface is nicely attuned to iOS and touchscreens, and you don’t need a desktop companion app. HanDBase also has a barcode-scanning feature, which could be useful for adding to product databases. It’s only $10 for iPads, but you have to shell out another $10 for the iPhone version. Or you can just buy the iPhone app and view it magnified on your iPad. Use of the app’s form-creation tool requires another $5 in-app purchase. Also, some App Store reviewers have complained about the lack of integration with iCloud, Dropbox or other cloud-syncing services. Evernote Evernote’s popularity could be another reason for Bento’s demise. Though it’s technically an organization/note-taking app, many professionals use Evernote for much more, including basic databases, document collaboration and tracking online marketing campaigns. Evernote is also everywhere: it’s free for iOS as well as for Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Windows 8 touch devices, Windows desktops and Macs. Lots of apps work with Evernote, too, thanks to a broad set of APIs. And it supports many languages. Some advanced Evernnote features, including the ability to let other users edit your notebooks, cost $5 per month. All three of the above options are worth a look. My advice: If you need a mobile database of some kind, give Evernote a try and see what you think. It’s free. And you might not miss Bento after all. Related content BrandPost Retail innovation playbook: Fast, economical transformation on Microsoft Cloud For retailers, tight integration of data and systems is the antidote to a challenging economy. By Tata Consultancy Services Mar 24, 2023 3 mins Retail Industry Digital Transformation BrandPost How retailers are empowering business transformation with TCS and Microsoft Cloud AI-powered omnichannel integration and a strong, secure digital core lets retailers innovate across four primary areas while staying compliant, maintaining security and preventing fraud. By Tata Consultancy Services Mar 24, 2023 4 mins Retail Industry Cloud Computing BrandPost How to Build ROI from Cloud Migration This whitepaper and webcast can help you calculate the ROI and create a business case for modernizing your legacy applications to the Microsoft Cloud. By Tata Consultancy Services Mar 24, 2023 1 min Retail Industry Cloud Computing BrandPost How to power a sustainable enterprise on Microsoft Cloud In this eBook, we’ll follow the journey of Amal Skye, a fictitious woman who is committed to living in a way that preserves the planet for the future —and how businesses like Tata Consultancy Services and Microsoft are making that possi By Tata Consultancy Services Mar 24, 2023 1 min Retail Industry Green IT Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe