>::a scaled-down, simple and cheap database server
>
>Martin, you just made my day <s>

Glad to know it. Anyway, I still recommend to go a step beyond an make it work at least with an MSDE back-end (just do add to the Duffy vs. Nelson debate).

Reasons?

1. It stills the same price ($ 0.00).

2. In some context it maybe faster, and more scalable (if your usage gets too many hits, you'll have to scale to SQL Server, but you'd be in troubles as well with VFP).

3. It's more robust.

4. From the service consumer perspective, it's exactly the same thing. The service interface would be exactly the same.

Anyway, switch that kind of basic stuff from any back-end to another is just a snap, but...

5. With MSDE/SQL Server, you can use T-SQL constructions like Functions and Stored procedures that can boost your performance and simplify your work a GREAT deal. Note: You can write Stored Procedures in VFP, but the power is definitively NOT the same.

Anyway, yes, VFP alone will do it good in lots of situations.

Best luck,