>Jim,
>
>First of all, this isn't just Microsoft's vision. I don't see a server version of dBase or Paradox or any other desktop database. They'll all tell you that if you need a database server you should buy something desinged to be a database server. I certainly hope the database engine will not be removed from VFP. It's faster and less complex to use than a server database. However, if you need a server database, I think it's better to go with something desinged from the ground up to be a server database like SQL Server or Oracle. The next version of SQL Server will be much faster and simpler than the current one so the gap between it and VFP will be smaller as far as speed and complexity go while the gap in reliability and security will grow even larger.

The problem I see with PB here is somewhat analogous to the frequent vfp discussions. Many vfpers would like vfp to encompass a lot more than it currently does, rather than use other products with vfp...(I'm not taking any side here, though using one product is generally easier as far as the learning curve, and for legacy purposes...)

What transpires here is that systems people are stuck on PB/Sybase as a solution for just about everything, forcing it on small to medium data-intensive applications, where it isn't the best tool...it's a similar mindset that many of us have, though, I guess...