Craig....

>Thanks for the better description...it just validates what I said.

Yes... it validates your point. But, that point over-simplifies the issue. The issue is how the various platforms are positioned to handle things. VFP is not positioned at all to host the DE or report designers - or the Component Manager for that matter. All of the other platforms OTOH - are....... This is the issue. I don't think VFP will ever be able to host these items. So, to clarify my original point - it is not safe to say that just because common designers are under development - VFP will be able to take advantage of those designers. the fact that not all of the tools use all of the common tools - in no way shape or form - means that VFP is any closer to supporting those tools.