Well in 54 hours we managed to stretch this thread to 98 messages. By my count 37 were on topic, 16 roamed a bit (my fault for commenting on age and years of marriage) and 45 (and growing!) strayed off into the war zone.

I appreciate the comments and advise. In summary, most advised that a strong attempt be made to convince the client of the value and importance of doing it right. If the client still balks, then make it clear that they, not you, are taking the risk. Perhaps even walk from these deals.

Jim Eddins and Dave Stevenson pointed me towards the cost angle so I just did a little research on the Dell site. A reasonably configured server coplete with tape backup, UPS and MS Small Business Server comes in at around $2000. Many small businesses will see even that as an additional expense that their brother-in-law deems unnecessary < g >

So far we have been able to convince clients to get the server. My latest sales call on a new prospect is still hesitating but all of the others in this new market place for us have "seen the light".

Thanks

Ken

>Hi,
>
>We have been in the custom app development business (primarily FP and VFP) for 14 years. During the first 13 years, our client base consisted of medium size companies ($50-$500 million in sales), and it was easy to insist that they have a "real" network including a real NOS.
>
>More recently, our client base is shifting towards small and very small businesses. We have a POS/Inventory Control app with fully integrated accounting that is attractive to these small businesses BUT...... it is becoming more difficult to insist that they have a "real" network. Most of them balk at the price, especially when they have been a 'Quickbooks and Excel' type of operation from their inception.
>
>In some cases we have agreed to a 'Peer to Peer' network with the stipulation that one of the work stations is "server only" and not to be used as a WS.
>
>I would like to hear how others who are in the Mom $ Pop market deal with this issue.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Ken