Hi,

I am looking for a programming language to write business
applications like invoicing, stock control, etc.

So, it should allow me to manage some sort of database, and to control
the format of printed reports.

These applications should have the "look and feel" of Windows, and
should run on W98, Me, 2000, XP, and whatever could come next.

Will C++ meet this requirements?
Does C++ fully support the API of Windows?
Does it take a very long time to learn? (I am a Senior COBOL programmer).
I have installed Borland C++ 5. Is this a good choice?

Any comments will be much appreciated.