>Bill,
>
>>1. Strategies for backend independence.
>>3. Ok, you've linked to SQL Server, now your next client says "We need it in Oracle!"
>
>I agree, especially with these two, which go into flexible application architecture from a very practical point of view. Of course, we'd expect to walk away with some great switchable data classes for immediate use!

I believe this is called the Upsizing Wizard < g >. Seriously, there are so many differences between SQL Server and Oracle and other SQL DBs that I don't think this is very practical. Conversely, I can design and develop an Oracle DB [just as someone else can do the same in SQL Server] where you can achieve a very high degree of front-end independence.

Even products like DataClas 2000/COM can't really achieve backend independence. Rod is developing separate Oracle classes and wizards where the SQL Server product has been shipping for months [a year?].

I am really interested in brutal honesty about my original post regarding DevConnections topics on Practical VFP and Oracle.