>One has to scratch one's head and ask 'why then do they not promote it [VFP] more aggressively?
>
>Very mixed message indeed.....
>

The ONLY reason MS does not promote VFP and is doing everything it can to discourage you, me and every other company from using VFP is. IT DOESN'T MAKE THE GREEDY BASTARDS ENOUGH MONEY. It is that simple!

Not promoting VFP has nothing to do with VFP's lack of capabilities. MS’s problem with VFP is it’s too good at managing large amounts of data for large amounts of users at too little money for them. The last thing MS wants is to have more developers and companies knowing about VFP.

There is no licensing fee attached to the runtimes and there is no need to buy SQL Server (licensing fees) for many applications. MS does not want to empower developers with a tool capable of producing an unlimited number of applications for an unlimited number of users for one lower price. This goes against MS strategic objectives – sell the product that makes the most money to customers and developers alike. They really don't give a s@#t as to what product is best for either's requirements.

MS has been spreading the death of VFP rumors for years to instill fear, uncertainty and doubt about VFP. MS doesn't want to be the one to directly pull the plug. They want us, the developers, the community to kill VFP. If they can get enough VFP developers to jump ship it’ll be that much easier for them to justify ending the VFP saga.