>Fred, we've done a mini-assessment this week for web-based front-end stuff. Ruby, standard php (does it allow persistent dataconnections? Why yes, it does), python, Strataframe, Dabo. The last two are more oriented toward fat client stuff. For the web, Standard php is looking good, not least because there are a gazillion hosting options and you can go online and find samples or widgets for just about any imaginable need, all at the right price. ;-)
Looks like I may need to move Ruby up on my priority list. I can still use VFP for the fat client stuff. Lot's of report generation (no user interface) and web-based stuff (not currently my area).