> In my honest opinion I would have to disagree with this. The problem is that SQL based servers are NOT faster than VFP tables until you get to VERY large tables and/or large number of users.



That depends, on what you call fast, VFP and good sql server, have proven to me to be just about equal, Actually on a first search, sql based querries are faster, .. but once vfp has cached the index files, VFP catches up on the second or third search. My point was that you dont loose the great speed that we all are used to with rushmore, and vfp in general, you actually get added features.



> I agree with programming to be ready for SQL based backends/client-server, but the cost benefit is just not there. For one, client-server requires usually an even more robust network, and far more powerful servers as well.


totally not true ! (unless you are at a microsoft only place of business) or oracle only shop. You pick up get many FREE SQL servers if you like, to run on WIn200 or Linux such as Postgres, Interbase, Mysql and if you know anything about linux, you know its free, and (trouble free once you get it running.) a simple 1,500 box can run easily 25 users, and you can get it alreay preconfigured, with with everthing running in under 15 minutes. Of course you could feel better going with the ms sql server (sure its eaiser intergratation) with vfp, using the upsizing wizard etc.. But you can lease out server space on someone else's server, at an isp, or asp.

MS sql server is not cheap, and the user licence's are not inexpensive either. as you pointed out and personally I feel thats the main reason that more of us vfp'er are not going that direction. So you comment about cost is debatable.


> Given reasonable network infrastructure, I would put VFP tables up against almost any SQL backend performance wise.

Have you actually tested this, or is this a theory of yours ?
I have tested my data using vfp on a network 10 base t connection, vs mysql server, and the performace was better- faster querries etc) not all that much faster , less than a 1/2 second difference, but it was faster. this was done on a table (medium size 150,000 records or so.)


> The only thing client-server will give is
security
data robustness and and
increase in query speed over low bandwidth

What about the ability, to actually use a gui front end, (vfp) to view, and modify data over the internet without having the expense and headache of citrix, ?

What about the abiltity to backup your datafiles while running., ?


And finally, if you become proficient with the sql language, you have that in your hat to go forward for the next 10 years... as stated many times. who know, really what MS is going to do with our friend VFP in the coming years anyway. ?