>Now that it is very clear the Microsoft are gradually putting VFP to bed, I wonder what new product will emerge and take it's place?
>Surely we are not going to be left with only 2 alternatives - Microsoft Access or SQL Server.
>There is definitely a market for a "middle of the road" product like VFP that is ideal for applications that:
>
> (a) Do not need something as powerful as SQL server
> (b) Are easy to deploy and have their own database engine
> (c) That are also more powerful and faster than MS Access
>
>In the past this market was taken up by products like VFP, Paradox, Powerbuilder, FileMaker etc.
>Since Microsoft does not believe that there is market for such a product anymore, are there any third party developers thinking on what will be a good replacement for VFP?

I don't feel the need to search around for another tool except to complement VFP. I like the capabilities, perfomance and maturity of the product and frankly the fact that I have climbed the learning curve.

Take a look at WebConnection 5.0, now in beta, which offers an impressive way to write internet apps more easily. With Sedna we will be able to leverage the facilities available in .NET right from VFP, and you know how many billions MS is investing in .NET.

The main problem for VFP is when you need to hire someone. We need training materials for new developers. I hope Craig Boyd keeps expanding his training movies and that some of the out of print beginner books are refreshed and reissued. I wish there was a VFP for VB6'ers book.