I am using C# on a Pocket PC reading XML files exported from VFP and copied to the Pocket PC using Rapi API calls. HOWEVER, the importation of the XML files into a DataSet and the exporting of the DataSet to the XML files are VERY SLOW so we have to minimize data amount.

Can't think of a really inexpensive way to do it. The de facto current implementation method that MS pushes is to use SQL SERVER (with IIS running) and SQL SERVER CE for data which is overkill for our needs (and install nightmare for our customers - K.I.S.S. method preferred).

Currently I'm researching ways to increase the perceived speed of importing, saving, exporting, etc. These methods include such actions as opening a file once when it is needed for the first time and then maintaining a reference to it.