Hi Alex,

MS is smarter than that! - it knows full well that SQL Server and VFP are in two very different markets and that the VFP market is a very large one too.

And they've also got to know that MSDE in ACCESS is no *real* way to extend the reach of SQL Server - it *might* be a good thing for shops where SQL Server is *also* installed (let user departments 'do their own thing' with less headaches later) BUT a full install of SQL Server, along with proper management/control of the thing, is too expensive and unwieldy for the majority of shops doing Access or VFP for their application processing.

They've said that pushing it out of the box will give a better marketing capability by letting them push VFP's own specific strengths. They've said that there will be more marketing for VFP. They have $30 BILLION in cash sitting in the bank and growing at $1 BILLION per month. A measly 1-2 percentage of the monthly cash would do a fine marketing campaign for VFP.

regards,

JimN

>Craig,
>
>We know the truth. It is better for MS to market products that irretrievably lead to SQL server. Rememeber: SQL Server is very profitable long term (remember Oracle's sales.)
>
>VFP, darn it, is good by itself. It does not *NEED* SQL server. It can use and benefit by SQL Server, but does not need it. VB and Access *NEED* SQL Server. So the logical decision for MS is to downplay VFP. Because we know how good VFP is and make a lot of noise, and perhaps because there is a antitrust suit in process, VFP hasn't been discontinued.
>
>The best thing for *us* would be to MS to become more product oriented. That probably means *breakup*. It's up to the US courts. My guess is "W" likes MS as it is, and the Justice Department will follow his desire. At least that is how it would be in my country.
>
>Alex
>
>
>>>
>>>Craig;
>>>
>>>I agree with you. Any business wants to make a profit and because a product is like the "holy grail" to some does not mean it will bring in the bucks. VFP might be the best development tool to many but what does it do for the bottom line?
>>>
>>>Tom
>>
>>
>>Exactly. It doesn't do much at all. EVERY corporation's number one goal is to maximize shareholder value. Everything they do revolves around that. Customer's come second and employees third.