>...they have GPL's their interbase sql server (the one orig written by Aston Tate) years ago a free way to get their product known.

Hmmmm.... I don't think Interbase technology was influenced much by what Ashton Tate brought to the table. Ashton Tate did make stab at SQL at the request of some US government agencies, but it was at best an ad hoc implimentation.

>... and being they have, or are going to shortly port delphi to Linux ....

Already done. it's called Kylix

>... Just a shot in the dark, but I see, soltuions like XML with fat clients - like delphi - vfp VB etc, taking up more and more of the cutting edge technology.

I think so. In fact, I'm betting on it.