Hi, Randy.

>We submitted our VFP application for SQL Server 2005 testing last year because we had a coupon for a free test and wanted to see just how much work we had to do. We were pleasantly surprised (if not shocked) to pass and be accepted into the FrontRunner program, getting listed in a couple of MS ads.
>
>This certainly encourages me to try something similar with the Vista logo test available now. If there are specific actions that will improve our chances, we'd love to know about them.
>
>I do have a case open with Partner Services about the winqual.com site you need to sign up for testing on. We purchased our Intellicode certificate from Thawte, a subsidiary of VeriSign, but only companies which bought their Intellicode directly from VeriSign can sign up successfully through the web site.
>
>Anybody have recent certification stories of VFP apps to share? We have a .NET rewrite in the oven and could use our freebie on that if VFP 9.0 apps are doomed from the start.

I would guess that what you passed for SQL 2005 was the Platform Test for ISVs. In this sense, Certified for Windows Vista is a much complex (and expensive) certification.

In any case, Microsoft is having a special program to have more apps certified during the first half of 2007 (quote):

"*Free Certified Testing on Passing Submissions—Microsoft has worked with one or more Authorized Testing Authorities (“ATA(s)”) to develop a program to assist ISV’s with the cost of software testing associated with the “Certified For Windows Vista” logo program. As part of the program, Microsoft will pay the ATA testing fees if a software application passes ATA testing on the first test occurrence prior to May 1, 2007. Additionally, Microsoft may pay some of the testing fees for software applications that do not initially pass, but ultimately do pass before May 1, 2007. In order to benefit from this program, you must comply with the following:

Comply with the Certified For Windows Vista Requirements.

Submit your application(s) to an ATA and pass the testing suite before May 1, 2007. While you may choose to submit to any approved ATA, all submissions of a software application must be to the same ATA.

Provided the software application passes ATA testing on the first test occurrence prior to May 1, 2007, Microsoft will pay for the test occurrence directly to the ATA.

If a software application fails the first test occurrence, but passes a re-test prior to May 1, 2007, the ATA will charge the ISV for all test occurrences. However, Microsoft will pay the ATA the testing fees incurred by the test application up to but not exceeding $1000, and the ATA will accordingly refund/credit to the ISV the amount paid by Microsoft to the ATA. Any fees above $1,000 will remain the responsibility of the ISV.

Microsoft may decline to pay the testing fees if it determines that the software contains objectionable material, is functionally trivial in nature or is inconsistent with the goal of the logo program. Additionally, Microsoft may elect to end this program at any time, however, software that has been submitted to an ATA prior to the program’s termination that passes the testing, will be eligible for this offer.

This program is only available to the first 1000 software submissions.

Offer available to ISVs worldwide and applications submitted may be in any language. The testing process and communication with the ATA will be conducted in English."

Also, they offer a pre-certification service where they help you evaluate your application previous to the final submission:
http://www.lionbridge.com/lionbridge/en-us/services/outsourced-testing/product-certification-programs/microsoft/certified-for-windows-vista/Pre-Cert-Overview.htm

Regarding the specific requirements, the strongest points are about running with non-admin rights, support for x64 versions of Vista (basically the product and installer shouldn't have any legacy 16 bits code), all executable files should be signed, allow for concurrent user usage, and not have any sort of "evil-ware"... 8-)

For the rest, the installation have to be even smoother than the Design for XP, and of course it should not crash when run with the Application Verifier.

Although the test is mostly designed with a .NET mind, I see no problems in passing it with a carefully crafted VFP app.

Hope this helps,