John

Anything "normal" that can be done in SQL Server can be done by VFP, VB, or a host of other development tools. SQL Server's coolness or lack thereof isn't an argument for VB or against VFP.

FWIW, late last year my company established a foothold in the UK by being willing to use a database called Cache as a backend. I preferred SQL Server and told them but the first client insisted on Cache. The product is now used through the whole hospital and is growing like Topsy. Result: 1 million pounds in sales this year.

I'm sure that this is not relevant to everybody's business, and many people here can choose whatever they like and present it to the compliant customers, but perhaps sometimes we need to pause and consider whether we are being silly by confining ourselves stubbornly to just one product or backend. I freely admit I fell into that trap once- it was Java I clung to, and boy was I a fierce proponent of Java- but I'm back in VFP and may I say that I am very happy here, my developers from a VB background love using our foxisapi frame or West Wind and we deliver products on time and to budget while generating the correct shareholder returns.

Speaking of which, can any senior UK people with West Wind experience who want to join our new Bristol office please give me a call.

Regards

JR