If you have a large investment in reusable C++ code, in house libraries and even purchased libraries then why not go with C++ .NET? Visual Studio 2005 has done wonders with the C++ language and interface. They have really cleaned up their act since VS 2003 .NET. What type of personnel investment do you have in C++? Microsoft is going to go where the $$$ is, that is, if the majority of the developers who purchase their products are VB programmers then that's where Microsoft will invest their money and support, if they are C# programmers then that's where they will invest their money and support, and if by some lucky chance C++ programmers reign, then that is where they will invest their money and support. I believe the jury is still out on as to whether Microsoft is 100% behind its C++ .NET language. In fact when Microsoft drop the ball with its previous versions of .NET C++, we stayed with C++ 6.0 and some switched to C++ Builder 6 out of frustration with the giant. For your own personal growth and edification, sometimes it is good for the soul and your sanity to venture into a new language especially if it may enhance productivity over the long haul! If you see Microsoft Windows development in your future for a very long time, now might be the time to start transitioning your staff to .NET development, no matter which language you choose.