Hi Jim,
I have been following this thread and agree that SQL server or most other database server databases have much better security, scalability and stability than DBF file based data stores. All applications that I have written in the past 2 years were written so that the database backend was interchangeable with no change to the core application by using a combination of Remote views and SPT. Applications were writen using VFP databases and upsized to SQL server or Oracle, and tested using VFP tables, SQL SERVER, and Oracle. This has worked out pretty well in that the user can choose or change the data store by changeing only the connection used. I do have many who have selected VFP database and that is fine with me as well since it is their choice.

As far as someone accessing or trashing the database, I have not had that misfortune with any of my instalations. As a test, I wondered what would happen if someone with appropriate rights to the directory where SQL server stores its database, for some reason deleted or renamed the .MDF or .LDF "Files" that SQL server uses for storing its data. I thought that you could not do this with Service Manager running, but I was allowed to DELETE as well as rename the SQL server database files and poof, no SQL server data. Also, if anyone has MS Access or Excel and knows a userid and password for accessing the database, they can make a connection and still wreck havoc in the database even with SQL server if they are intent to do so. Obviously, it is because I have Admin rights and know the userid and password for the database and where SQL server stores its files, but my point is that it is not impossible to delete or trash any database, SQL server or otherwise, if someone is determined or boneheaded enough and has appropriate permissions or can hack into the system.

Just my 2 cents. I think VFP is a great tool for most any data intensive application using SQL server, VFP tables or other database servers.




>Hi Gary,
>
>>Suddenly, DBF's (that are at the very heart of Foxpro) don't cut it anymore?
>
>I'll make sure I chime in here and say that I've NEVER said VFP doesn't cut it anymore as a development platform. I have issues with it's data storage format (DBF's) but I think it is still a great development tool when used in conjunction with SQL Server or any of the other database servers out there.
>
>More $0.02 from me...