Just an observation

In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of development
tools in colorful retail boxes.

How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into that
cabinet with the other tools?

Roger
Wed May 24 13:17:55 CDT 2006

MS has never marketed VFP, so don't expect them to do so now,
or in the future.

- Roger

"John Dandy" <jdandy@micronet.org> wrote in message
news:H_idndB-6J0R4enZnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@giganews.com...
> In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
> behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of development
> tools in colorful retail boxes.
>
> How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into
> that cabinet with the other tools?
>

Imaginecorp
Wed May 24 22:36:30 CDT 2006

You know what would be great:
If all Fox users were to chip in and buy VFP from Microsoft. If I remember
correctly MS only paid 40 Million. I am sure they would sell for 20 Million.
There has to be 20000 users willing to invest a $1000

Its late, I love VFP and I am just dreaming... But it can be done
Mohammed



"Roger Ansell" <notmyreal@emailaddress.com> wrote in message
news:uYIHb51fGHA.4776@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> MS has never marketed VFP, so don't expect them to do so now,
> or in the future.
>
> - Roger
>
> "John Dandy" <jdandy@micronet.org> wrote in message
> news:H_idndB-6J0R4enZnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@giganews.com...
>> In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
>> behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of development
>> tools in colorful retail boxes.
>>
>> How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into
>> that cabinet with the other tools?
>>
>
>

Fred
Thu May 25 10:28:06 CDT 2006

It was more like $200 million. Pocket change for MS, but they've reaped far
more in benefit. I doubt they'd let it go.

--
Fred
Microsoft Visual FoxPro MVP


"Imaginecorp" <imaginecorp@msn.com> wrote in message
news:%23iIYox6fGHA.1456@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> You know what would be great:
> If all Fox users were to chip in and buy VFP from Microsoft. If I remember
> correctly MS only paid 40 Million. I am sure they would sell for 20
> Million. There has to be 20000 users willing to invest a $1000
>
> Its late, I love VFP and I am just dreaming... But it can be done
> Mohammed
>
>
>
> "Roger Ansell" <notmyreal@emailaddress.com> wrote in message
> news:uYIHb51fGHA.4776@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> MS has never marketed VFP, so don't expect them to do so now,
>> or in the future.
>>
>> - Roger
>>
>> "John Dandy" <jdandy@micronet.org> wrote in message
>> news:H_idndB-6J0R4enZnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@giganews.com...
>>> In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
>>> behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of
>>> development tools in colorful retail boxes.
>>>
>>> How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into
>>> that cabinet with the other tools?
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Craig
Thu May 25 16:03:20 CDT 2006

Depends on your definition of marketing. And for the record, there has been
"some" that would meet most everyone's definition, but it hasn't happened
for a long time.

--
Craig Berntson
MCSD, Visual FoxPro MVP
www.craigberntson.com
Salt Lake City Fox User Group
www.slcfox.org
www.foxcentral.net


"Roger Ansell" <notmyreal@emailaddress.com> wrote in message
news:uYIHb51fGHA.4776@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> MS has never marketed VFP, so don't expect them to do so now,
> or in the future.
>
> - Roger
>
> "John Dandy" <jdandy@micronet.org> wrote in message
> news:H_idndB-6J0R4enZnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@giganews.com...
>> In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
>> behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of development
>> tools in colorful retail boxes.
>>
>> How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into
>> that cabinet with the other tools?
>>
>
>

Craig
Thu May 25 16:04:16 CDT 2006

It won't happen. Several people have said this in the past. It wouldn't help
VFP any and would marganalize even more. dBase is still around today, but no
one knows about it.

--
Craig Berntson
MCSD, Visual FoxPro MVP
www.craigberntson.com
Salt Lake City Fox User Group
www.slcfox.org
www.foxcentral.net


"Imaginecorp" <imaginecorp@msn.com> wrote in message
news:%23iIYox6fGHA.1456@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> You know what would be great:
> If all Fox users were to chip in and buy VFP from Microsoft. If I remember
> correctly MS only paid 40 Million. I am sure they would sell for 20
> Million. There has to be 20000 users willing to invest a $1000
>
> Its late, I love VFP and I am just dreaming... But it can be done
> Mohammed
>
>
>
> "Roger Ansell" <notmyreal@emailaddress.com> wrote in message
> news:uYIHb51fGHA.4776@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> MS has never marketed VFP, so don't expect them to do so now,
>> or in the future.
>>
>> - Roger
>>
>> "John Dandy" <jdandy@micronet.org> wrote in message
>> news:H_idndB-6J0R4enZnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@giganews.com...
>>> In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
>>> behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of
>>> development tools in colorful retail boxes.
>>>
>>> How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into
>>> that cabinet with the other tools?
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Imaginecorp
Fri May 26 10:07:18 CDT 2006

Fred:
Are you sure about the 200 mil? Borland paid 140 for dBase and I remember
thinking at that time that MS got a deal... I could be wrong it was soo long
ago. Even so, with the right management team, 20 mill is 10% any bank or
investors would give us the money. With banks & investors, as I am sure you
remember Re: dot companies during the heydays, a GOOD business plan is
enough.
Craig:
It would not marginalize VFP, we would be just another company MS would
hate, there is enough talent in the current Fox team and the user base to
convert VFP into a serious contender to SQL, Oracle etc. God the potential
is unbelievable as programming in VFP beats the crap out of VB, SQL etc. As
you know the 2GB is by design and not a limitation. As I see it 2 versions
of VFP. One the way it is with the 2GB and another limitless

Like I wrote earlier, with the right people (2000 investors with $10,000)
and enough enthusiasm it could be done. Count me in...
Mohammed

"Imaginecorp" <imaginecorp@msn.com> wrote in message
news:%23iIYox6fGHA.1456@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> You know what would be great:
> If all Fox users were to chip in and buy VFP from Microsoft. If I remember
> correctly MS only paid 40 Million. I am sure they would sell for 20
> Million. There has to be 20000 users willing to invest a $1000
>
> Its late, I love VFP and I am just dreaming... But it can be done
> Mohammed
>
>
>
> "Roger Ansell" <notmyreal@emailaddress.com> wrote in message
> news:uYIHb51fGHA.4776@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> MS has never marketed VFP, so don't expect them to do so now,
>> or in the future.
>>
>> - Roger
>>
>> "John Dandy" <jdandy@micronet.org> wrote in message
>> news:H_idndB-6J0R4enZnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@giganews.com...
>>> In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
>>> behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of
>>> development tools in colorful retail boxes.
>>>
>>> How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into
>>> that cabinet with the other tools?
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Craig
Fri May 26 10:14:12 CDT 2006

The idea has been discussed for years. It won't happen and would do nothing
to help Fox.

--
Craig Berntson
MCSD, Visual FoxPro MVP
www.craigberntson.com
Salt Lake City Fox User Group
www.slcfox.org
www.foxcentral.net


"Imaginecorp" <imaginecorp@msn.com> wrote in message
news:%23FdRTYNgGHA.2208@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Craig:
> It would not marginalize VFP, we would be just another company MS would
> hate, there is enough talent in the current Fox team and the user base to
> convert VFP into a serious contender to SQL, Oracle etc. God the potential
> is unbelievable as programming in VFP beats the crap out of VB, SQL etc.
> As you know the 2GB is by design and not a limitation. As I see it 2
> versions of VFP. One the way it is with the 2GB and another limitless
>
> Like I wrote earlier, with the right people (2000 investors with $10,000)
> and enough enthusiasm it could be done. Count me in...
> Mohammed
>
> "Imaginecorp" <imaginecorp@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:%23iIYox6fGHA.1456@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> You know what would be great:
>> If all Fox users were to chip in and buy VFP from Microsoft. If I
>> remember correctly MS only paid 40 Million. I am sure they would sell for
>> 20 Million. There has to be 20000 users willing to invest a $1000
>>
>> Its late, I love VFP and I am just dreaming... But it can be done
>> Mohammed
>>
>>
>>
>> "Roger Ansell" <notmyreal@emailaddress.com> wrote in message
>> news:uYIHb51fGHA.4776@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> MS has never marketed VFP, so don't expect them to do so now,
>>> or in the future.
>>>
>>> - Roger
>>>
>>> "John Dandy" <jdandy@micronet.org> wrote in message
>>> news:H_idndB-6J0R4enZnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@giganews.com...
>>>> In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
>>>> behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of
>>>> development tools in colorful retail boxes.
>>>>
>>>> How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into
>>>> that cabinet with the other tools?
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Roger
Fri May 26 10:49:08 CDT 2006

Craig Berntson wrote:
> Depends on your definition of marketing. And for the record, there
> has been "some" that would meet most everyone's definition, but it
> hasn't happened for a long time.

I think you're quoting from the book of Hairspliticus, which I know
well, being a founder member of the International Society of Pedants.
I don't see your name in the membership list, but if you'd like to join,
I'll be more than happy to second your application. <s>

-Roger

[snipped rest]

Josh
Fri May 26 14:34:08 CDT 2006

>It would not marginalize VFP, we would be just another company MS would
>hate, there is enough talent in the current Fox team and the user base to
>convert VFP into a serious contender to SQL, Oracle etc. God the potential

so you spend 200 million to buy it; where does the money come from to pay the
foxteam to continue it's development?


--- AntiSpam/harvest ---
Remove X's to send email to me.

Fernando
Fri May 26 15:47:47 CDT 2006

You OpenSource it then!!


"Josh Assing" <XjoshX@jAssing.com> escribió en el mensaje
news:etle72p5p5a87nbd6itj70e1cc0lpa52t6@4ax.com...
> >It would not marginalize VFP, we would be just another company MS would
> >hate, there is enough talent in the current Fox team and the user base to
> >convert VFP into a serious contender to SQL, Oracle etc. God the
potential
>
> so you spend 200 million to buy it; where does the money come from to pay
the
> foxteam to continue it's development?
>
>
> --- AntiSpam/harvest ---
> Remove X's to send email to me.

Dan
Fri May 26 16:26:41 CDT 2006

Josh Assing wrote:
>> It would not marginalize VFP, we would be just another company MS
>> would hate, there is enough talent in the current Fox team and the
>> user base to convert VFP into a serious contender to SQL, Oracle
>> etc. God the potential
>
> so you spend 200 million to buy it; where does the money come from to
> pay the foxteam to continue it's development?

Assuming they're even available.

Imaginecorp
Fri May 26 17:07:28 CDT 2006

We do it the old fashioned way - Borrow. Make them partners in the new
company like Dr. David Fulton did...

"Josh Assing" <XjoshX@jAssing.com> wrote in message
news:etle72p5p5a87nbd6itj70e1cc0lpa52t6@4ax.com...
> >It would not marginalize VFP, we would be just another company MS would
>>hate, there is enough talent in the current Fox team and the user base to
>>convert VFP into a serious contender to SQL, Oracle etc. God the potential
>
> so you spend 200 million to buy it; where does the money come from to pay
> the
> foxteam to continue it's development?
>
>
> --- AntiSpam/harvest ---
> Remove X's to send email to me.

swdev2
Fri May 26 22:20:33 CDT 2006

Woo Hoo !!!! Round 17 to Roger on Points !!!!
<silly grin>
Language is a verra terrible nasty beastie. One should master it afore
taking it out for walkies.

mondo regards [Bill]
--
===================
William Sanders / EFG VFP / mySql / MS-SQL
www.efgroup.net/vfpwebhosting
www.terrafox.net www.viasqlserver.net

"Roger Ansell" <notmyreal@emailaddress.com> wrote in message
news:e5UmfvNgGHA.1320@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Craig Berntson wrote:
> > Depends on your definition of marketing. And for the record, there
> > has been "some" that would meet most everyone's definition, but it
> > hasn't happened for a long time.
>
> I think you're quoting from the book of Hairspliticus, which I know
> well, being a founder member of the International Society of Pedants.
> I don't see your name in the membership list, but if you'd like to join,
> I'll be more than happy to second your application. <s>
>
> -Roger
>
> [snipped rest]
>
>

Fred
Sat May 27 20:24:57 CDT 2006

Mohammed,

I'm pretty sure of the figure, but it was a loooong time ago. ;)

Anyways, since a lot of things within Microsoft have benefited or been
adapted to use Rushmore technology, I doubt they'd ever loosen their grip on
it.

--
Fred
Microsoft Visual FoxPro MVP


"Imaginecorp" <imaginecorp@msn.com> wrote in message
news:%23FdRTYNgGHA.2208@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Fred:
> Are you sure about the 200 mil? Borland paid 140 for dBase and I remember
> thinking at that time that MS got a deal... I could be wrong it was soo
> long ago. Even so, with the right management team, 20 mill is 10% any bank
> or investors would give us the money. With banks & investors, as I am sure
> you remember Re: dot companies during the heydays, a GOOD business plan is
> enough.
> Craig:
> It would not marginalize VFP, we would be just another company MS would
> hate, there is enough talent in the current Fox team and the user base to
> convert VFP into a serious contender to SQL, Oracle etc. God the potential
> is unbelievable as programming in VFP beats the crap out of VB, SQL etc.
> As you know the 2GB is by design and not a limitation. As I see it 2
> versions of VFP. One the way it is with the 2GB and another limitless
>
> Like I wrote earlier, with the right people (2000 investors with $10,000)
> and enough enthusiasm it could be done. Count me in...
> Mohammed
>
> "Imaginecorp" <imaginecorp@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:%23iIYox6fGHA.1456@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> You know what would be great:
>> If all Fox users were to chip in and buy VFP from Microsoft. If I
>> remember correctly MS only paid 40 Million. I am sure they would sell for
>> 20 Million. There has to be 20000 users willing to invest a $1000
>>
>> Its late, I love VFP and I am just dreaming... But it can be done
>> Mohammed
>>
>>
>>
>> "Roger Ansell" <notmyreal@emailaddress.com> wrote in message
>> news:uYIHb51fGHA.4776@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> MS has never marketed VFP, so don't expect them to do so now,
>>> or in the future.
>>>
>>> - Roger
>>>
>>> "John Dandy" <jdandy@micronet.org> wrote in message
>>> news:H_idndB-6J0R4enZnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@giganews.com...
>>>> In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
>>>> behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of
>>>> development tools in colorful retail boxes.
>>>>
>>>> How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into
>>>> that cabinet with the other tools?
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Imaginecorp
Sat May 27 22:11:53 CDT 2006

Like I said before, I was tired, just day dreaming... But What a language
(VFP). Though it makes sense for Microsoft, why encourage a software that
will compete with their own, VB, SQL etc....They bought it because Borland
had dBase. VB6 got the classes and a lot more from VFP etc.
Last thought on the subject, If I had the money, I would buy VFP and be a
serious contender to any and all database apps
Mohammed

"John Dandy" <jdandy@micronet.org> wrote in message
news:H_idndB-6J0R4enZnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@giganews.com...
> In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
> behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of development
> tools in colorful retail boxes.
>
> How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into
> that cabinet with the other tools?
>

William
Mon May 29 04:05:01 CDT 2006

I donâ??t think itâ??s realistic for Microsoft to sell VFP to the community.
Ideally, if MS can open the source of VFP to the community and let the
community to develop it, that will be perfect. I believe MS can still make
money even after open the source code. But MS doesnâ??t like open source and
VFP. I am not sure if itâ??s possible to make a clone of VFP technically, like
http://www.xharbour.org/. If itâ??s possible, are there any legal issues?

The cost of moving one development tool to another one is very important for
us. Even for MS, itâ??s not possible for them to rewrite everything in .Net.
There will be new stuff all the time. SAP keeps ABAP for several ten years
already. But SAP is still the market leader.

If I have to make decision for .Net or Java, I choose Java simply because
Java is being opened. I feel more secure with Java even I am never interested
in the source of Java.



"John Dandy" wrote:

> In some of the Microsoft magazine adds you see a guy at a desk and just
> behind him a bookcase. The bookcase shows various flavors of development
> tools in colorful retail boxes.
>
> How hard do you think it would be for Microsoft to slip a VFP box into that
> cabinet with the other tools?
>
>
>

Craig
Tue May 30 09:29:57 CDT 2006

Fox Software was purchased for the technology. Rushmore kicked butt...and
still does.

--
Craig Berntson
MCSD, Visual FoxPro MVP
www.craigberntson.com
Salt Lake City Fox User Group
www.slcfox.org
www.foxcentral.net


"Imaginecorp" <imaginecorp@msn.com> wrote in message
news:eEph6RggGHA.2476@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Like I said before, I was tired, just day dreaming... But What a language
> (VFP). Though it makes sense for Microsoft, why encourage a software that
> will compete with their own, VB, SQL etc....They bought it because Borland
> had dBase. VB6 got the classes and a lot more from VFP etc.
> Last thought on the subject, If I had the money, I would buy VFP and be a
> serious contender to any and all database apps
> Mohammed