I need to exchange data with a MySQL database on a web server. You can only get to the MySQL server from a program running on the web server. This is done for security. I have written some PHP programs and can run them from any web browser and they produce the desired data text files.

Now I need to run them from within VFP 9 and, hopefully, in the background so the user does not see IE come up or interfere with the browser he/she already has open.

After I run the PHP programs I then need to download the text files they create.

I can upload/download with FTP if needed (I have a VFP lib that does it all) but I was wondering if there was any other way as the hosting service appears to not have secure FTP but does have HTTPS. (go figure)

Any and all suggestions are welcome.