>Performance of large datasets is abysmal even when pulling as llittle as 1000 records and then doign something with it. There are ways around this such as using DataReaders, but depending on what you use for reporting that may not be appropriate.

WOW, I don't think I've ever had that many records in a data set. Is it abysmal compared to fox, or abysmal as in, not acceptable? Also, as I have said to Walter, I probably would avoid having that many records in the dataset, and use a VPF SP in the DBC for stuff like that.

For reporting, I tend to use Crystal that connects directly to SQL Server. If there is alot of processing to do for the report I tend to write an sproc and attach the Crystal report right to it's output.

>I know you're a big SQL guy and I have over the last couple of years also have gotten much more familiar and even fond of SQL Server. But I tell you that I can't use SQL Server for many things that I build which is many tools and smaller shrink wrap apps. SQL is fine operationally, but from an administrative point of view it's a pain in the butt. You can't sell an app into an end user market with SQL Server, definitely not into the consumer market. Although you you can automate everything it requires SQL Admin rights to do so.

True enough I guess. I think in the future the are looking a bit to WinFS to fill this void. Although I could be wrong.

But, I have seen some small aps that ship with Sysbase personal. It just installs with the product and the user never even knows it's there.

>Not that I'm holding my breath. MS is not going to give up the SQL Server cow by providing data options.
>
>Alot of folks have to remember that not all apps go into big corporate environments. A lot of apps go to consumers and small businesses that have 2-5 users.

True, and for them, VFP is a great tool.

I do agree with you... my move to almost exclusivly using SQL Server with VFP, when moving to .Net I didn't notice a big loss on the functionality side.

I have been saying all along, a VFP managed code data provider would be a great boon for small desktop apps that don't need SQL server.

BOb