>>>>If I had to choose a new language I would look seriously at the cross-platform langagues such as Java, Python or Ruby. DotNET is where M$$$ wants us all to go but why not consider alternatives to something that seems to change a lot and ONLY runs under Windows?
>>>
>>>I wonder why some people (like Craigh Berntson) dare to focus entirely on .NET, a product that may currently be mentioned a strategic product for MS, but may as well be no longer so within a couple of years. Afterall, there is nowhere written, as to my knowledge, that MS promisses to continue development of .NET for as long as the company will remain to exist.
>>>
>>>Similarly, your observation about support for Excel and the like was sharp.
>>
>>Let me ask you this... and I am asking because I haven't been around that long. Has Fox ever been a strategic product for MS?
>
>It sure was when they bought Foxpro.
>
>But is being or not being a 'strategic product' a 'reason'? Isn't it rather a conclusion based on some reasons? And how about other reasons that have nothing to do with strategy, but are nevertheless important for the decision to stop or continue? If it's true that vfp is since long no longer a strategic product (which is true, in my perception) then why was it developed until now? What other reasons were there all past years to continue? What happened with those reasons, with their reasoning? What has changed?
>
>But let me make clear that the reasons issue is not the issue of the thread. For that I started another thread: For what reasons? Thread #1204097 Message #1204097
>Rather, I'm here trying to let people do some research in their own country/environment. How does it affect their national, regional and local business?

The reason I asked is because I disagree with your opinions on not using .NET because it may stop being a strategic product of MS. I think that is being too paranoid. Why use Windows, SQL Server, or really ANY product for that manner if that is your mindset.