> He knew that he had waited too long, though. Maintaining the old app > while building a new one was difficult and expensive. He could > already see the writing on the wall that he would have to move to > newer technologies to grow the business again. His solution? He sold > the business and retired. Now, don't get me wrong -- he made > one hell of a living from this product, and retired comfortably. Many of his > old customers are still using the DOS version. the marketplace is > tolerant, indeed, but eventually it catches up to technology.
I had exactly the same situation, but abandoned (well, stopped working on) the FPD version and commenced the VFP re-write, because I knew I couldn't do both. It was very painful because it took a long time (and money) to get the FPD version working right and it was finally ready for the market. As mentioned recently, the sole customer for that version is still using it today (but does intend to convert to VFP once that incarnation is ready). > Bill, I apologize for using the "if he has any [customers] > left" line and related rants. It was a cheap shot, and I'm sorry. I also > understand. Hell, for a long time, as you know, I was among > the chief deniers. Officially. It took me "way" longer to face the issue head- > on than most of the much smarter folks in here. Not to worry. I'm not saying "much smarter" folks are totally wrong, but I do insist there's more to every story. This one isn't over yet and we have until 2015, at least 7 years, to formulate the best strategy. Those who have jumped already did so at great expense - and risk! - and I truly believe more and better options will emerge during this time. > Like most of us here, though, I concluded long ago that the > long-term health of my businesses depends on moving past the Fox. I'm > not ready to retire just yet. But moving to what? It seems to me that "XYZ" language is every bit as vulnerable as FoxPro. I see MS's .NET gambit as a modern day equivalent to Napoleon's march to Waterloo. Moving to an Internet based platform is risky too. This is because the Big Issues of the Internet, to wit net-neutrality and privacy, are political, not technical, and the prospects aren't looking good at all. Sure, some will make $ off it, but the luster and appeal would be gone. Bill > Ken _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: [email protected] Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech Searchable Archive: http://leafe.com/archives/search/profox This message: http://leafe.com/archives/byMID/profox/[EMAIL PROTECTED] ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
