>On the other hand, does it really make sense for MS to (virtually) eliminate >the very MAJOR selling point of VFP, namely its SPEED???

With regard to munging data....yes - VFP wins hands down there. However, if you look at other aspects of development - VB stacks up rather well. Lets remember, it takes about a mb to load VB. It takes over 3 mb's to load VFP the first time.

>Sure you can argue that MS is pushing SQL-Server (cause it makes much more >dough for them), but that doesn't serve the small to middle, and even some >larger companies very well, does it!?

You could have a point here...to some extent. However, the benefits of working with a server database cannot be ignored - security, transaction logging, etc. VFP flat out cannot play in this world. It's that simple. So, if you want to survive, start learning and using SQL Server. Otherwise, the locomotive is going to pass you by.....


>What real good is a "premier middle tier development tool", that being where >the business rules are enforced and the data requirements are determined. This >stuff would generally get only marginal benefit from OOP, common >procedures/functions being just about as useful for such logic.

Not really sure what point you are attempting to make here...