>>if you will pile that much data the guy is right. The web solution is ASP.Net/(C#orVB) and SQLServer-back-end, the Client part could be VFP. We already do this way of redesign because of the same reasone for German turistic company.
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>The solution is a Web Service in .NET which fires some VFP/WWC requests to get the data from VFP. So, this is pretty much what we have presently.

DBFs are not good data storage for 24/7 apps with so many hits. SQLServer provide wonderful facilities for fast searching and processing with high security. You well know its advantages.
And there is other reason for my advice: If top IT person say something you cannot change his mind for a few days. If you do not do what he likes and to offer service according his understanding he will exchange you with other contractor. The client is god. Some clients do not like to listen technical discussion what is godd or not. They likes something we are hired to satisfiy their requirements.