>>Then, according to your definition, SQL Server is Mickey Mouse.
>
>When I wrote my reply I assumed you were gonna say that. Its an unfair comparison and you know it.

No, it isn't...unless you're saying SQL Server is less powerful than VFP.

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>VFP7 is not bundled with VS, and not built only to serve data. IMO, it should be marketed as an all in one product that you can pick up and build powerful desktop apps that won't step on VB.NET or SQLS' toes.

And how does that exlude Crystal reports? The Crystal designer is a COM component. The interfaces could be written so that it integrates seemlessly with the VFP IDE.

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>Anyone who wanted to write such an application should be able to pick up VFP and write the app all with it and not have to learn COM or SQL Pass Through, or for that matter, how to use and deploy Crystal Reports with their application in order to use a fairly modrn report writer.

That's a big stretch given today's application requirements. Interaction with other components and applications is almost a requirement for anything but the simplest apps.

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>I would much rather see MS market VFP in a light, and maybe to do that, they need to change the product a little too.

Ahh... but think of the marketing possibilities that are opened up by showing the powerful reporting capabilities you could do with CR bundled in the box.

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>I don't think tight intergration is a solution to anything for the developer. I would rather see VFP work better with its own report writer, than a 3rd parties, because who says I want to use the Third Party MS suggests?

There's nothing that requires you to use what is there now or any other report writer. CR will be another tool that ships with the product.

> Why not have the Crystal work on the interface and compete just like everyone else? Isn't their job?

Ummm... no. Their job is to provide the best developement tool in the most cost effective way. If that means bundling CR rather than enhance their own, then it makes sense.

I'm curious. Has your views on this changed since VFP was pulled out of VS?