>4. Multiple data engine capability. This is a flexibility I'd like to see in VFP but we'd give up some speed.

Not sure you mean by this. What kind of connection to data?

>5. You can access both CORBA and COM objects. Not many will find this useful but it is IMO important enough to mention.
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>5a. (See above) Here's a scenario I find attractive: SQL backend, COM (VB, VFP, Delphi, etc) middle tier and Delphi front end. Speed on the desktop, speed in between and speed (some) and security on the back end.
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>6. The possibility of having a front end on Linux with perhaps a Linux-based COM middle tier server is very attractive to me. This would be a cool "bridge' for VFP programmers to open up all the Linux market for us..

I think Linux on the desktop is not much of a threat, but Linux servers are a major competitor to NT servers... this would allow a developers to hedge their bets.