I don't think .Net and SQL Server will be dropped. Even VB morphed into a .Net language and with .Net now integrated into SQL Server, I think it's safe to say both will be around for a long time.
>And then from the view of "something that MS is not going to drop", only one choice is valid. Just half-kidding...
Craig Berntson
MCSD, Microsoft .Net MVP, Grape City Community Influencer