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>That is why I was surprised to hear MSFT say that. I think it belongs at the front-end. I was impressed by the capabilites of VJ++ as it can create HTML, DHTML, COM, EXE applications. I think it made your coffee also. LOL!

The key to this is the WFC (Windows Foundation Classes), included with VJ++. WFC has an important role in long term Visual Studio development. Of course VJ++ and WFC together isn't near as powerful as VFP for building data-centric middle-tier components. VJ++ is best for the middle tier, since DHTML and ActiveX are best for the client side. You'll find with IE5 with XML and XSL support, Java applets on the client is much less needed.