Jack,

Finding GOOD VFP programmers is even more difficult here in the UK.
I would like to complement what you say below, and what Rick said,
by adding that we here have found the best strategy to get the
programmers of the right calibre was for us to get good programmers
in other languages (including programmers with mainframe experience
who often have a greater understanding of business models and
the need for rigorousness, thorough testing, and that the most important
thing about an app is now how clever it looks, but that it works today,
tomorrow, and tomorrow's tomorrow!) and then train them in VFP.

This strategy has paid many dividends for us, right down to the
fact that in most cases you end up with programmers who cannot
believe there is a development environment as good as VFP !

Michel.

=================== Original message follows ==================

>>Now I won't argue with you that it may be harder to find people
>>to do VFP work. Unfortunately, that's true. But for a company that
>>knows how to work with VFP and do it right you'll need a fraction
>>of the body resources you need with other tools at least for coding.
>>
>>The key is the right people. Doesn't matter what tool you use if
>>you have people who don't know what they're doing the application
>>is unlikely to work well, not perform and almost certainly not
>>scale. VFP, VB, SQL, C++ it doesn't matter - people are the most
>>important thing. Sure your high school kid can create ASP pages
>>with a little coaching, but do you really want him to???
>>
>>
>>Use what works for you and what is the best choice for the job.
>>Discounting VFP outright just because of lack of 'bodies' is a
>>sad excuse IMHO...
>>
>>+++ Rick ---
>>
>
>I could not agree with you more, Rick. I have complained about finding VFP people in the past. However, even when I entertained the thought of switching to VB, I could not find a candidate who really knew database programming and had realistic salary expectations from a shop my size. It's all about finding the right people, regardless of development platform...
>
>To date, I have been successful in training an Excel/VBA guy in VFP. I have also found an excellent Access programmer who now has an appreciation for VFP. And I have also come back around to appreciate the product that turned a hobby into a profession that has paid the bills for more than 5 years now...
>
>Jack Mendenhall
>Director, Information Systems
>Reinsurance Management, Inc.