Why not Informix?

My company I work for has an opportunity to develope software in partnership with another company. That company utilizes the Informix database engine and Visual Basic. Of course their is additonal software of some sort between the two. My company is also considering moving toward a client/sever platform. We are primarily a mainframe shop utilizating Computer Associates IDMS for database applications, as well as, many VSAM based applications. In light of the other companies investment, my management has give me the task of finding out Why not Informix? In other words, why shouldn't we also invest, knowing we could benefit from their expertise. I'm a mainframe database administration, systems programmer type. I know very little of Informix, Oracle, Sybase, or SQL Server. I'm not sure even where to start. What I've read about Informix, leads me to believe that it is a viable product. I'm searching for "show stoppers" if any. Can you help? Offer advice? Are you very happy with the product? Thank you for any assistance you may offer. David Chase 71003,70@compuserve.com