Since its first release in, FoxPro database software has been one of the leading business data applications. The software originally operated on Macintosh, DOS, Windows and Unix, but a 1992 merger with Microsoft led to it being incorporated into their “Visual” software suite. The latest version runs on Windows only. In 2007, Microsoft announced it would stop development with Microsoft Visual FoxPro 9.

Even though it has a host of competitors, its installed base is large and if your business runs Microsoft FoxPro software you will need to consider the future of your IT services infrastructure. Should you continue to use FoxPro (and it will be fully supported until 2014) you will probably need to look to FoxPro programming services and designers to keep your database integrated with today’s rapidly changing server and online technologies.

1. FoxPro programming services strengthen your customer relations by providing more reliable access to important data.

2. Professional FoxPro development drives innovation by integrating and automating information services.

3. FoxPro programming language services improve customer operations by keeping you current with regulations and integrating the most up-to-date methods in database management and development.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for a Visual FoxPro developer to develop and enhance custom Microsoft FoxPro applications

Even if your firm is large enough to support a full-time FoxPro programmer, you might be better served looking to outside help to keep your business applications up-to-date. Professional FoxPro database programming services will most likely be able to bring a number of innovative solutions to your business from their experience with a more widely-installed client base.

I recommend: Cambria Corporation develops custom applications with the FoxPro programming language for local servers and high-speed web-based businesses. Their custom applications are developed in-house to maintain quality control. Advantage Systems not only offers a full range of custom Visual Fox Pro applications, but they also offer the Advantage XML Framework of reusable modules developed specifically for VFP environments.

Upgrade or replace your Microsoft FoxPro applications

Even if your company has an extensive infrastructure built around Visual FoxPro programming, now may be the time to look at upgrading to a different database framework. FoxPro's installed user will most likely begin to shrink, if only because start-ups aren't likely to invest in applications no longer supported by the developer.

I recommend: Servoy’s new database was designed in consultation with FoxPro programmer and development teams to create a familiar interface, backend and deployment. Their Alliance Network is targeted to FoxPro users looking to make the switch. Microsoft is betting their future on their SQL Server, which means their technical support services should be able to walk your staff through the transition more easily than a transition to Oracle or other database applications in competition with Microsoft.

Go straight to the source for adaptable Visual FoxPro programming and integration into your business

Your best bet to keep your installed infrastructure useful and competitive may well be to form a direct partnership with Microsoft and allow them to take your FoxPro applications into the future. No one can bring the expertise to your needs as well as the people who developed the database to start with.

I recommend: Microsoft’s Enterprise Support network provides both customized and pre-packaged services, including their support lifecycle policy. Their Technology Consulting services help you optimize your IT core-server and desktop infrastructure including application management and streamline communication and data environments.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even though Microsoft has agreed to support Visual Foxpro Programming until 2014, a number of developers have been petitioning Microsoft to release Visual FoxPro to the open source community for ongoing support and development. While Microsoft's reputation makes such a move unlikely, continued pressure from the large base of installed users and developers could result in an open source release, which would make your VFP software a sure bet for the long-term.