I started using SQL database backend several years ago too. What I do is create all my tables in VFP to start - and make sure I use file structs that will work in SQL Server (for example - no time or date fields, just use datetime)....then I create remote views for everything. Now, if I want to change my backend to anything else - all I have to do is change one connection string in my dbc and I'm done. I've done this with SQL Server, mySQL, Orcale and a couple of others.

>I guess I need to clarify - I am absolutely NOT bashing VFP!!
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>Fox/VFP is and has been my bread and butter development environment since foxBase+ days. 90% of my work is still VFP based now.
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>The difference is that I switched data storage from VFP tables to SQL database backend several years ago and have never looked back or regretted the decision. Many of my smaller customers use (free) MSDE and SQL2005 Express as their data store for my VFP applications. My larger customers don't blink an eye at per processor licensing for SQL Server.
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>VFP makes a GREAT front end for SQL Server.
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>>>Doesn't seem that expensive to me, especially compared to other large database systems, like Oracle.
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>>>And then of course keep in mind that this list does not include two other versions of SQL Server: SQL Express and SQL Compact Edition, both of which are completely free of charge...
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>>>Markus
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>>I agree. $3700 is what you'll pay a database programmer for a couple of weeks work. Try writing the functionality and reliability in VFP using DBC/DBFs. How much will it cost? How much have you spent in programmer time and development frameworks using VFP to get data reliability and recoverability?
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>>This software is (or should be) the foundation for almost any company's data storage, organization, and retrieval. It has an amazing amount of functionality and it is absolutely rock solid. Smaller data requirements can be handled by the free versions of SQL Server which still have the functionality and reliability.
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>>It is the fastest database I've dealt with, and a lot easier to work with than others. It is supported extremely well by a massive company that considers this a flagship product.