Kevin

I have spent significant VFP working time in the UK, USA and Asia/Pacific in recent times. As you know I spent 6 months in Exeter last year, not that far from you. IMHO some of the responses to your problem seem hostile and inappropriate. What people see in their own backyard is not the entire world.

The US is so big that VFP's decline may not be as obvious. Companies/developers producing "black box" software are insulated because, as they note, the customer does not give a jot whether it is written in VFP or Blackbird, as long as it does the job. I am fortunate that my customers fall into this group.

People like you developing bespoke inhouse software by yourself or in a small team, are completely exposed to the reality. This is especislly true in smaller communities where you may be the lone voice in the wilderness. Management can and does make decisions based on more than just what Ken Levy or Steve Balmer says on the VFP website. Management reads magazines. They see ads. MS people visit.

If there is already an Oracle team, I'm afraid you are snookered. Oracle will support them to the hilt. Telling Ken Levy the names of the MS people who have said what they so often say, is closing the barn door after the horse has bolted and does not help you one bit right now.

I understand that VFP is experiencing growth in some places such as South America. From what you say, moving to South America is not an immediate option for you.

If you end up a contractor we can probably offer some VFP work not too far from home. Apart from that, I wish you good luck,

Regards

JR