The decision to use SQL Server as a data store is mostly dependent on available bandwith. VFP does not work well on WANs. Its a file server database and will need to pull much more info through the network than SQL Sever to run a query. Also, SQL server is much more secure. VFP as a data store is really only viable on a LAN or single user apps.

However, VFP makes an excellent front end in a client server database. With it OOP capabilities you can create data driven apps very easily. This is the main reason why VFP is a better choice than VB\ADO. Also, its data engine can be used on the client as a static data store which saves round trips to the server for data that doesn't change much.

Charlie