For companies relying on applications built with Microsoft's Visual FoxPro (VFP) development platform, the time has come to seriously consider modernizing to a more current technology like .NET. Released way back in 1995, FoxPro reached the end of its life a decade ago when Microsoft announced the product's retirement. While VFP apps that work fine today may seem to prevent the need to modernize, under the surface, trouble is brewing. This article examines the most pressing reasons why visual FoxPro migration to .NET should be a priority for forward-thinking IT leaders.

Reason 1: Looming Technology Obsolescence

The biggest existential threat to any FoxPro application is the simple march of technological progress. FoxPro's design reflects the state of the art in the mid-1990s, a vastly different landscape than today's environment. Newer operating systems, databases, enterprise software packages, and cloud platforms have little to no backward compatibility with a FoxPro architecture. Over time, finding modern infrastructure that plays nicely with FoxPro becomes increasingly untenable.

In some cases, a FoxPro application chugs along until the day a forced upgrade to a new Windows Server version or SQL Server edition breaks it spectacularly with no warning. Suddenly, a mission-critical system is completely down with no easy fix since FoxPro itself is no longer supported. Waiting for this day of reckoning is simply tempting fate when proactive modernization to .NET eliminates this scenario.

Reason 2: Lack of Vendor Support and Security Patches

Speaking of support, Microsoft ended all extended support for Visual FoxPro in 2015. From that point forward, no further hotfixes, security patches, or service packs will be released. Any newly discovered bugs or vulnerabilities will remain permanently unaddressed, an unacceptable situation for software running vital business functions. While a FoxPro app may seem stable now, without the backstop of vendor support, it's a ticking time bomb.

The risks of running an unsupported platform include:

• Unpatched security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit
• Compatibility issues with newer versions of Windows, SQL Server, and other systems
• Lack of technical support if problems arise
• Potential compliance violations for regulated industries
• Inability to get help with bug fixes or feature enhancements

This issue becomes especially problematic for applications falling under compliance rules like PCI DSS, HIPAA or SOC 2. Systems still running vulnerable old software with known security holes can jeopardize compliance big time, triggering fines and reputation damage when auditors eventually find out. And you can bet annual audits will reliably detect if a company is clinging to obsolete programmes past their expiry date. Migrating regulated FoxPro apps to a fully supported .NET environment takes care of that risk.

Reason 3: Growing Scarcity of Developer Talent

When a company needs to modify or debug a FoxPro application, they quickly learn most developers with FoxPro skills have long since moved on to more modern tools. With virtually zero demand, computer science programmes no longer cover FoxPro, so new developers have zero incentive ever to pick it up. The already tiny pool of FoxPro expertise is not getting replenished and will only shrink more over time as folks retire.

Consequently, the few remaining FoxPro gurus can charge premium jackpot rates for their services. For them, FoxPro is a cash cow, not an opportunity to learn new things and grow. Simple economics says finding talented, sensibly priced FoxPro developers will become borderline impossible before long. In contrast, the .NET ecosystem is massive and expanding daily, making hiring high-quality developers at reasonable market salaries very feasible.

Conclusion

For organizations of all sizes and industries, the case for migrating from Visual FoxPro to .NET is more compelling than ever. Continuing to rely on an obsolete, unsupported platform for critical business functions simply isn't worth the mounting risks and costs. Forward-looking companies will prioritize a FoxPro modernization effort as an urgent strategic initiative to better position the business for long-term success. By moving to .NET, they'll gain a robust, modern application platform that equips the company to innovate and grow nimbly.