>>MS didn't see/consider VFP as a viable front end for SQL server, which might have helped to keep VFP around. But that, too, is water under the bridge,
>
>If MS saw VFP as the `ideal` front end for SQL Server then VFP would've been brought into the universal .NET IDE in 2001. VFP.NET2001 would've been as compatible with VFP6 as VB6 was to VBNET2001.

Yeah, that for sure is a foregone conclusion... I would have settled on "viable", even if MS didn't see it as "ideal". Oh, well, no crying over spilled milk.

>
>MS believed BOTH VFP6 and VB6 did not fit into their future strategies for profit maximization. Although both were financially successful products and technically competent products.
>
>MS planned on the death of BOTH tools by mid 1999. A bunch a nice cushy niche markets died along with the tools... and a lot of whining occurred by those profiting from the nice easy niche markets...

Whining? I think it was more like complaining because a big chunk of their livelihood was placed on a trap door. If you are made to stand on a trap door and you complain about the resulting lack (perceived or real) of control over your own life, are you "whining"?

I know, I know, you can always step off the door and move on, and that's probably what you should do if you want to be in control of your own life. But you can still voice your opinion without being labeled a whiner, no?


Pertti