MySQL falls way short of the mark compared to MSDE. Specifcally, any of the mangement tools for MySQL have licensing fees - so the "free" aspect of MySQL is illusory. Also, MySQL still is missing many of the most basic features that are necessary for any RDBMS.

As for using the best tool for the job - I agree. But that presumes the tool you want to use is in the pantheon of choices. And lets face it - from a VFP developers perspective - usually VFP ends up being the best tool for the job - doesn't it????

< JVP >



>Personally, I think [and agree] the VFP market is indeed shrinking, whether "we" can find hard evidence or not. All I need to know is that, from a MS POV, it is quite understandable and in their best financial interest that VFP "go away" since it makes them little or no peripheral $$$. However, if VFP does go away, I could see something that is free like MySQL being the next step up from VFP's DBFs instead of MSDE or SQL Server. Place your bets, roll the dice and take your chances. Only time will tell. In the meantime, use "The Best Damn Tools for the Job, Period."
>
>>Interesting point. It is similar to the point I called Craig on - basically making an assertion with no factual basis to make that assertion.
>>
>>But is it similar????
>>
>>There is a lot of acecdotal/circumstantal evidence to allow one to draw the conclusion that the market for VFP is shrinking. Time and time again, when MS has been asked why they don't invest in Fox - the answer is that the market served by Fox is declining, has no upside, and as a result - does not warrant investment. Clearly, the focus is on the type of computing ala .NET, Longhorn, etc.
>>
>>For a while, Ken was up here practically begging people to upgrade to the next version (7 at the time). For whatever reason - 7 upgrades fell short of expectations. There is no evidence to indicate that 8 sales made up for - and surpassed what 7 was supposed to do.
>>
>>There is more than enough info out there - in spite of not having hard numbers - to conclude that 8 sales are poor. You can say they are good since the market continues to decline - can you???
>>
>>< JVP >
>>
>>>
>>I agree that some of his observations he stated in this thread are accurate. However, he also claimed that VFP 8 sales are poor. That is what I challenged him on. He has little or no way of knowing this.
>>>