Mike,

>I didn't put words into your mouth. I said free Database product, not free VFP7. If you give free access to a database that is freely distributable, you now how a completely free database (the FoxPro database) available that is competeing with your flagship database (SQL Server). THAT is bad marketing.

According to your premise, MSDE is also bad marketing... Do you agree?

>Your drawing this parrallel to the VFP and SQL oledb providers but your completely over looking the databases themselves. A free SQL provider leads to expensive SQL licenses...

Except when used with MSDE.

>...A free FoxPro provider leads to... lost revenues.

How does anyone KNOW that a free provider leads to lost revenue? I just don't see where the loss is.

Are you suggesting that lost SQL Server revenues is the basis for Microsoft's decision about the VFP OLE DB driver?