Short: VB:NET is like java/c# but with vb style syntax

Long: VB.NET is a diferent animal...

The implication are:

1) VB.NET is full OO=You team must know well OO and best master it. Coding like in VB and Fox DOS is the path to disaster (and really, is almost impossible)

2) VB programers by default are the WORSE prepared to go with .NET
Only Fox develpers with good OO can get it fast, this meaning that Fox developers with not practical background using vfp 3> get it dificult. Java, Delphi and maybe C++ developers go fast with it. So, in this case is not real the "popularity" because chosee not retrained vb developers in .NET meaning lost time, loss money and worse products.

3)VB.NET, is not RAD, in the way that VFP or VB are. Meaning= more coding, and more coding, and more coding.

4) Usefull development with .NET requiere thirdy-party. Period.

Win aplications is hard. Only Asp.net/server side/class development shine. However, with a good start and clear direction, good results can be archivied fast (and the help of thirdy-party)

5).NET is good&great but cause a "hard" start. If you chosee this route, try to get a little of train first, specially if don't have good/strong bacground developing OO software... Apart of this and lack of more controls in the box, can be a good experience!

So, put in the face the reality to your team. Also have in mind that

6) .NET meaning worse performance with data-driven aplication *if not* put care in use proper client/server ability.

I think that can be archivied best results with VFP for build windows aplications today than with .net.