>>An application is built with VB as frontend and connects through ADO to a VFP backend.
>
>First off, why did you choose to do it this way? The reason I ask is, if we know why you did it this way in the first place, we can suggest which one of your solutions (most likely 2 or 3) you will be happier with.
>
>Keep in mind you can also go to MSDE instead of straight to SQL Server.

I forgot to mention... The original app was VB/Access. And when the response time started to be really slow the application was moved to a VFP back-end. I can not give you more then this since I only talked briefly with the developper.

What I can say is that the response time with VB/Access was slow but it was better then what they have now. So, as I answered to J. Trockman, going back to Access is a solution (it should at least be discussed) ... but it would still be slow.