>>Given that all aspects of the Fox market were exeriencing down-ticks when just about every other segments had up-ticks - I don't understand how one could reasonably conclude things will go back up. Putting the occasional upward blip aside - you are talking about reversing what has been an 8-9 year trend.
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>...in your opinion. You don't have anything solid to base this upon.

My opinion is an informed one - based on observable fact. If you don't think there has been an accross the board downward trend in virtually every category of the Fox market - then you need to look closer at the situation.


>>Things expand or contract - there is no third direction.
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>It was you who first mentioned the alternative of staying flat.

I don't think I did. IAC, show were I wrote that.


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>>Strategically speaking, a company will invest in markets that are likely to grow. Fox does not occupy such a market.
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>Financially speaking, a company will not necessarily divest of products that continue to be profitable.
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Correct - so long as it fits within the company's strategy. With that goal, company will keep an unprofitable product around - as a loss-leader. The key is that there is a viable market. MS has identified the xBase market as being a dog that is a cash cow of sorts. It is elementary - you milk your cash cows - even if they are dog markets - with little or no investment.

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>> FWIW, Fox is not a substitute for SQL Server. They are completely different animals.
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Exactly. Different products target different segments. Otey's larger error was assuming SQL Server should be pigeon-holed into a place other products already serve well enough.
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>>You do realize that if a file-server based data mechanism is required, MS will advocate Access before Fox...
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LOL... One more time - different products for different segments. :-) Access is an end-user database product. Microsoft moved Foxpro out of that space years ago.
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Tell you what - poll some folks at MS and ask them for their suggestion. They will likely suggest Access. You will be lucky if Fox gets mentioned.