dotNET Connections

.NET Framework and Mainframe Collide

2008-06-09T13:06:00.006-04:00

Collisions generally have negative connotations, however in this case it is actually a good thing.

The mainframe world, all too often associated with legacy systems that exist in some dark corner of buildings continues to this day to provide the essential back bone for many corporations essential and business-critical applications. While some companies seek to migrate data out of mainframe investments into data bases such as Oracle, or often SQL Server there are plenty who'd rather leave these resources well alone and bring on stream more up to date interfaces to these data asources.

That said, development platforms such as Java and the .NET platform however enjoy the majority of developer focus today and resources such as DB2 z/OS and non relational mainframer esources such as VSAM, IMS and Adabas get left behind.

Our solution? Shadow for ADO.NET. Available for use with the Shadow z/Direct product line, DataDirect's mainframe integration software stack. We are very proud of the work we've done here, so let me call out some of the major features:

Integration of mainframe DB2 and VSAM data
100% managed code provider
Support for the .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5 on 32-bit and 64-bit platforms
Support for ADO.NET 2.0 Common Programming Model
Runtime compatibility with Visual Studio
Support for a Metadata Collections based on the ANSI SQL Information Schema specification as well as collections specific to CICS and VSAM
Support for common methodologies used to manage auto-generated values

Hungry for more ? Check out the Shadow for ADO.NET for details.

Afterglow on tonight's BoF

2008-06-05T00:34:00.003-04:00

A quick word of thanks for everyone's excellent participation on our BoF tonight. While I was nervous that 60 minutes would be a long time to fill, especially considering I was not allowed any slides, given how the conversation flowed across all sides of the room, it was a very useful and enjoyable 60 minutes. Some of the key take aways included...

Entity Framework holds great promise, and but is not a catch all for everything....
SQL is not dead (far from it). For critical apps where you have to maintain absolute control as to how your application performs and behaves, there is no substitue for keeping your hands on the controls.
The Data Cloud hold great promise, but everyone is nervous as to the prospect of exposing any data source into an uncontrolled, unmanaged cloud. Lots of concerns as to the security and governence of this.

We'll do this all again next week for Tech Ed IT Pros.... and of course as I didn't bring enough t-shirts for everyone, so stop by our booth tomorrow where I will be handing out our very popular t's.

See you tonight @ N320 C

2008-06-04T14:13:00.000-04:00

Looking forward to see everyone at tonight's BOF session at 7.45. We'll have some very unique give-aways for the best questions!

Tech Ed Day 1: Coming out party for ADO.NET Entity Framework

2008-06-02T16:58:00.006-04:00

At this years Tech Ed - Developers, I think it is fair to say that this is the coming out part of the ADO.NET Entity Framework, and with good reason too. From the early days when I participated in numerous all day sessions in Building 35, Microsoft HQ, it is very gratifying to see so many of the concepts we were introduced to move from the white board notions to become tangible component of the .NET Framework. Bring on the GA release of this SP!

The insert to the left, courtesy of the Redmond Developer news does a nice job of breaking out the major features of the .NET Framework 3.5 Sp1, of the the ADO.NET Entity Framework is probably the leading feature. Described, I think accurately as the 'data-driven' release, I can already report than I have a number of good conversations with attendees who are looking to find out more about this technology.

Hungry for more ? If you are attending Tech Ed Devleopers, there are a few excellent venues that I'd recommend you make some time for. Thx to Elisa Flasko at Microsoft doing most of the hardwork for me:

June 4th 2:45pm-4:00pm TCD2B Using LINQ, the ADO.NET Entity Framework and ADO.NET Data Services with third party databases by David Sceppa

June 5th 10:15am-11:30am T7D80 Advanced Entity Framework: Take Charge of Object Services by Julie Lerman

June 5th Noon-12:45pm TAC34 ADO.NET Data Services Deep Dive by Mike Flasko

You can see more of Elisa's excellent recommendations here.

Of course, I've talked about my BoF before on Wednesday night which is already generated some great interest, but we are also exhibiting through out the week, where we have some very unique give-aways (you won't be disappointed!) and of course I'll be happy to talk about how DataDirect Technologies plans to support the ADO.NET Entity Framework. Come see us at booth 1232 in the exhibition hall.

Virtualization bottle neck or opportunity?

2008-06-02T11:21:00.000-04:00

My colleague, Mike Johnson exposes the underbelly of virtualization on tackles a topic that is become pervasive through the IT software stack. As with any new notion, virtualization is not a catch-all and while the benefits are quickly realizable, there are some important considerations especially when your virtualized stack has to interface will real world resource contentions. Full details in his article here.

TechEd Developers 2008

2008-06-01T17:30:00.002-04:00

Early reports from DotNet Connections experiences at TechEd 2008 indicates a bumpy start. Apparently I have no hotel for this evening and will be staying the in the glorious 'Quality Inn' as my original reservation at the Rosen Plaza does not kick in until Monday.

Otherwise, what looks like a very interesting week ahead. I'll post when time/battery power allows.

Making Sense of it All: Heterogeneous Data Access on the .NET Framework 3.5

2008-04-14T20:23:00.005-04:00

dotNetConnections is delighted to announce that we have not one, but two BoF's at this years TechEd, North America conferences TechEd Developers & TechEd IT Professionals. Our topic this year, 'Making Sence of it All: Heterogeneous Data Access on the .NET Framework 3.5' should provide an broad basis so we can deal with many perspectives on how best to deal with data access on the .NET Framework. For one thing, the plethora data access options and data models that now exist should sound as warning shot for all: each data access option cannot possibly suit every need, so if you've questions and opinions on what option suits your development needs, it will be the place to be. BoF co-ordinates as follows:

Wednesday, June 4th @ 19h45 to 20h45
Wednesday, June 11th @18h30 to 19h30

Send email here or comment below if you're planning on attending, or have topics you'd like to cover...

LINQ links for 4/7/2008

2008-04-07T16:59:00.002-04:00

Julia Lerman, of the Data Farm has posted a series of excellent tutorials that are well worth a look all in her on-going series of '101 Tutorials'. Check them out here.

LINQ links for 3/25/2008

2008-03-25T22:11:00.005-04:00

By Tech Ed 2008, it will be almost two years since this posting appeared on LINQ in Action blog, so it wins today's LINQ links. It's interesting to take another look at some of the projected values to developers and architects back in mid 2006...

http://linqinaction.net/blogs/main/archive/2006/07/28/why-linq-will-succeed.aspx

LINQ syntax beats SQL syntax. SQL is flawed in that queries become exponentially difficult to write as their complexity grows. LINQ scales much better in this regard. Once you get used to it, it's hard to go back.
Database queries are easily composable. You can conditionally add an ORDER BY or WHERE predicate without discovering at run-time that a certain string combination generates a syntax error.
More bugs are picked up at compile-time.
Parameterization is automatic and type-safe.
LINQ queries can directly populate an object hierarchy.
LINQ to SQL provides a model for provider independence that might really work.
LINQ significantly cuts plumbing code and clutter. Without sweeping stuff under the carpet, like Workflow or Datasets. This is a credit to the design team.
C# hasn't suffered in the process (in fact, it's gained).

Out of 8 projections, dotNET Connections would give this forecast a 5/8. Not bad considering how inaccurate these predictions tend to be. Before dotNETConnections publishes what we value-adds we think won out, lets hear your thoughts. Comment below!

Vote for our BoFs @ TechEd 2008!

2008-03-24T15:11:00.001-04:00

Vote for our BoF at Microsoft Tech Ed Developers and IT Professionals. We'll be attending both conferences and with your votes, we will be able to run a BoF at both events...

Vote here for Tech Ed Developers and here for Tech Ed IT Professionals ...

Check out our BoF submission below...

Making Sense of All: Heterogeneous Data Access on the .NET Framework 3.5

In this BoF, we’ll peal back the layers on data access from the .NET platform. We’ll look at the common problems facing today’s applications with a particular emphasis on applications who in a multi-faceted, heterogeneous application environment. With all the options now available, available including the Data Access Application Blocks, LINQ, Entity Framework and vanilla ADO.NET which is the one for you? Come armed with your questions, ideas and burning issues and we can promise a lively discussion!

DataDirect acquires Xcalia

2008-03-19T16:57:00.005-04:00

dotNet Connections is delighted to announce that Xcalia has joined DataDirect Technologies family, significantly broadening our already broad data access offerings. More details here...

DAAB Links for 3/17/2008

2008-03-17T13:18:00.005-04:00

Scott Densmore posted on how to get Enterprise Libraries installed and functional with Visual Studio 2008. For those you already using the DataDirect Data Access Application Blocks this gives you all the tools, plus the continued benefits that I've blogged about before in the latest Visual Studio IDE.

http://blogs.msdn.com/scottdensmore/archive/2008/03/13/how-to-get-enterprise-library-3-1-working-in-vs-2008.aspx

LINQ posing challenges for Java futures?

2008-01-30T15:06:00.000-05:00

dotNETConnections was quoted today's SD Times on the challenges ahead for Java as LINQ and the new programming paradigms gathers pace and momentum in the .NET space. Some interesting reactions from JavaLobby offers a very representative perspective that is generating an important discussion in the Java space.

Check back here for more references and a collection of key comments in this posting...

Predictions for 2008?

2008-01-29T11:44:00.000-05:00

Statutory requirements for frequent bloggers clearly spells out that a list of predictions are listed for the upcoming year. The intent obviously is that at least 50% of predictions will turn out to be true this leading to the inevitable close of year postings that allows the blogger to bask in the glory in the accuracy of the earlier predictions.

For this year, dotNetConnections is instead going to first highlight his top 3 favorite predictions from around the web.

1. David Linthicum, Real World SOA: SOA Predictions for 2008 , in particular I like "Resources on the new Web will drive many enterprises towards SOA."

2. Craig Newmark, Founder of Craigslist: 2008 Predictions, Some insightful thoughts on how people are going to leverage the internet, participation to effect positive change. I admit this is not exclusively a technical prediction, but without technology back these movements, it would be next to impossible to marshal these growing communities

3. Redmond Developer News, peddler of .NET news: Peering into the Future. Highlights include, Multi-Core Revolution, Parallel Programming Gets a Rough Start, and Virtual Machines everywhere.

As for dotNETConnections predictions, they shake out as follows:

1. Data Services changes becomes universal programming model.

2. IBM files and draws together a set of established JDBC experts to establish LINQ for Java, Java Specification Request (JSR)

3. Dynamic LINQ bridges gap between compile-time type checking available in more static LINQ constructs.

4. LINQ to SQL will be forced to open up their lighter weight model to third-party provider-writers.

Bill Gates' last day

2008-01-10T15:30:00.000-05:00

A worthy send off I think...

DLR - The tipping point for the .NET Platform?

2007-12-26T22:25:00.000-05:00

Some interesting thoughts on what the future of the .NET platform might hold. I agree Dynamic Language Runtime(s) will see lots of attention over 2008, and we've been here already with much of the activity on the Java platform over the past few years - Groovy and JRuby to name but a few. Outside of these, there are some obvious candidates that could find themselves under the spot light of DLR spot light, but these technologies that have the weight of support of Redmond should be watched closely.

Perhaps this will even help us get to the point where by developers, architects alike to compare managed run times across what should be regarded as key assets: cross-platform availability, runtime performance and ease of development.

Highlights & Low-lights in Data Access for 2007

2007-12-21T09:36:00.000-05:00

Generally speaking most prominent bloggers exercise their inalienable right to post their predictions for 2007. Instead, this year I think its useful to look back on the past 12 months to review the technology and software highlights and lowlights from the perspective data access, and XML ...

First the highlights (in no particular order) ...

LINQ
Entity Framework
JPA 2.0
Astoria (Now LINQ to Data Services)
OpenJDK
XQuery reaches recommendation at the W3C !
Google Guice
JSR-310 Date and Time API

And inevitable low-lights

LINQ to SQL
Connectors 1.6
Closures in Java reaching analysis paralysis
JLINQ misbranding

Join us with the SSWUG founder, Stephen Wynkoop ...

2007-11-12T17:22:00.000-05:00

Join us tomorrow at a on-line webinar discussing how to Improve .NET Application Performance & Reliability. Stephen and I will be giving a break down on our perspectives on how to build in performance, reliability and security for all of your .NET applications. Check out the promo below....

Join Stephen Wynkoop, SSWUG Co-founder and Microsoft MVP, to learn how you can improve the performance, reliability and security of your .NET applications. Whether your .NET applications are built using C# or VB.NET, it is highly likely that they rely on a relational database such as SQL Server, Oracle, DB2 or Sybase.

Learn about the benefits of using ADO.NET providers that are 100% managed; the only option if you want to leverage the full power of the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR). The CLR provides numerous capabilities that help ensure that 100% managed code performs well, scales effectively and is highly reliable and secure.

This webinar will discuss how the DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET providers allow full leverage of the .NET Framework for applications that rely on SQL Server, Oracle, DB2 and Sybase. This is critical since the ADO.NET providers that Oracle, IBM and Sybase are not 100% managed.

Webcast Details...

Date:
Tuesday, November 13
1:00pm ET

Speakers:
Stephen Wynkoop, Microsoft SQL Server MVP

Jonathan Bruce, DataDirect Program Manager

Make the most of the Data Access Application Blocks

2007-10-24T18:48:00.000-04:00

Shameless plug here today: I've talked about the Data Access Application Blocks here before, but today Connect for ADO.NET released support for the for the DAAB code blocks supplied in the Enterprise Libraries. You can now configure the DAAB with Connect for ADO.NET by following some quick and easy steps - scroll down for details...

The DAAB code blocks do an excellent job at abstracting away ADO.NET coding specifics, if you the architect is looking to shield your developers away from data source variances, particularly in a heterogeneous database environment Add the Connect for ADO.NET providers into the mix you can architect true code data blocks that offer SQL Leveling, best-in class performance and host of other features that bullet proof your blocks for many years to come.

Curious as to how to do this ? Use these instructions sourced from here, this is a quick guide to get your started. Great job from Betsy to get this together in such short space of time:

Configuring the Data Access Application Block consists of two parts:

Adding a New DAAB Entry
Adding the Data Access Application Block to Your Application

Adding a New DAAB Entry

Now, use the Enterprise Library Configuration Tool to add a new DAAB entry:

Right-click Enterprise Library Configuration, and select New Application.
Right-click Application Configuration, then select New / Data Access Application Block. The Enterprise Library Configuration window appears.
In the Name field, enter a name for the DAAB, for example, MyOracle.
In the ConnectionString field, enter a connection string.
In the ProviderName field, identify the DataDirect data provider:
1. For DB2, enter DDTek.DB2
2. For Oracle, enter DDTek.Oracle
3. For SQL Server, enter DDTek.SQLServer
4. For Sybase, enter DDTek.Sybase
Right-click Customer Provider Mappings and select New / Provider Mappings.
In the Name field, type the DAAB name entered in Step 3 (MyOracle).
In the TypeName field, choose the browse (...) button and navigate to the Debug output directory of the DataDirect DAAB that you want to build.
Select the file name, for example, DDTek.EnterpriseLibrary.Data.Oracle.dll, and then click Open.
Leave the Enterprise Library Configuration window open for now. Do not save this configuration until you complete the following section.

Adding the Data Access Application Block to Your Application

To add the DAAB to a new or existing application, perform these steps:

Right-click the project and select Add Reference.
In the Add Reference dialog, select Enterprise Library Shared Library, and click OK.
Right-click the project and select Add Reference.
In the Add Reference dialog, select Enterprise Library Data Access Application Block, and click OK.

Add the following directive to your C# source code:

using Microsoft.Practices.EnterpriseLibrary.Data;
using System.Data;

Rebuild the solution to ensure that the new dependencies are functional.
Determine the output Debug or Release path location of your current solution, and switch back to the Enterprise Library Configuration window (see "Adding a New DAAB Entry" on page 3).
Right-click the connection string under the Application Configuration node and select Save Application.
Navigate to the Debug or Release output directory of your current solution, and locate the .exe file of the current solution, for example, MyApp.exe.
Click the file name once, and add .config to the name, for example, MyApp.exe.config.
Ensure Save as type 'All Files' is selected and select Save.
Using File Explorer, copy the DDTek.EnterpriseLibrary.Data.XXX.dll from the DataDirect DAAB directories (where XXX indicates the data source).
Place a copy of this DLL into either the Debug or Release output directory of your current solution.

The .NET Framework catches a case of openness

2007-10-09T16:14:00.000-04:00

The .NET Framework has developed with uncharacteristic malaise; likely diagnosis: it has come down with a surprising and puzzling case of openness.

Scot Guthrie, provides some of the fine print:

“We’ll begin by offering the source code (with source file comments included) for the .NET Base Class Libraries (System, System.IO, System.Collections, System.Configuration, System.Threading, System.Net, System.Security, System.Runtime, System.Text, etc), ASP.NET (System.Web), Windows Forms (System.Windows.Forms), ADO.NET (System.Data), XML (System.Xml), and WPF (System.Windows). We’ll then be adding more libraries in the months ahead (including WCF, Workflow, and LINQ). The source code will be released under the Microsoft Reference License (MS-RL).”

As yet, not one opinion appears to be dominating as to what this might mean. Some of my favorite examples include Fake Steve is already scoffing at the move, while assuring us all that Apple will never stoop to this. Robert Scoble is characteristically derisive in his analysis. Others believe this move is a tacit acknowledgment of Microsoft’s failure to capture the imagination of a broader developer community. Others don’t see it affecting them much, while at the extreme, the howls of delight from competing development platforms and paradigms is almost deafening…

What this means for the likes of Novell’s effort towards delivering Mono, nor has anyone commented on how this might affect newly invigorated Novell/Microsoft marriage of convenience.

Before I offer an interpretation of what this means first let me re-iterate my context:

This blog serves a number of perspectives, base on my experiences from the open source, Java community and now the .NET work development platforms – great care is taken to avoid spouting or worse still regurgitating cool aid and of bile from other sources.

Exposing the internals of the .NET Framework is I believe the tip of the ice berg. Think back to early attempts by the Java platform to adopt a more open stance and move away from the ivory tower and provide more inclusive processes for the Java community at large. I think it is safe to say that we can and should expect to see additional baby steps from Microsoft on this score. Moves such as this often have halo-affect, which spurs innovation, discussion and ingenuity that is difficult to predict but is over-all beneficial to the adoption of any platform.

An important distinction here is that Microsoft is make strides toward an more open and inclusive process. I think it’s unlikely we will ever see the equivalent of the JCP for .NET, but my hope it we will see the emergence of a community framework that will facilitate contributions and motivate people to bleed back their ideas into the platform. It is actually an implicit good develop for Java too: a move such as this may be dismissed, but I am sure there are those in the Java community who will give in to their curiosity and peal back the covers on the .NET internals …

DataDirect Design Previews & Architect Tutorials 2007

2007-09-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

It is that time of year when we put in some serious airmiles to bring you all our vision on Data Connectivity and Mainframe integration futures. We are presenting both Boston, MA and Palo Alto CA over the next few weeks so don't miss your chance to hear our plans and of give your feedback...

Learn more about DataDirect's current product offerings and upcoming product enhancements at Design Previews. Designed to educate you about the future direction for DataDirect products, Design Previews are delivered via an open forum format so that your feedback can be factored into DataDirect's product plan.

DATES AND LOCATIONS

Tuesday, October 9th | Boston, MA - Westin Waltham
Wednesday, October 17th | Palo Alto, CA - Four Seasons - Silicon Valley

brought to you by

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

John Goodson — VP, Product Operations, DataDirect
Jonathan Bruce — Program Manager, DataDirect
Carlo Innocenti — Architect, XML Technologies, DataDirect
Gregg Willhoit — Chief Software Architect, DataDirect
Mike Johnson — Software Development Manager, DataDirect
Jesse Davis — Program Manager, DataDirect

Don't miss out - register today for this free educational seminar!

---

Here is the letter for the Architect Tutorials:

New development platforms and emerging architectural standards are changing the way we view data - causing us to challenge long held views on data access technologies and demanding the use of new XML and service-oriented capabilities. Things are not as they used to be, and the landscape continues to evolve. Making informed choices facilitates rapid development and deployment and enhances application capability, scalability, and performance.

In this half day seminar, software architects will learn the state of the art in data access, mainframe integration, and XML query technology. We will provide the insight to navigate the complexities of data access technologies and the practical know-how to enhance application performance, flexibility and capability right away.

DATES AND LOCATIONS

Thursday, October 4th | St. Louis, MO - Hilton Frontenac
Thursday, October 11th | Toronto, ON - Westin Harbour Castle
Tuesday, October 16th | Irvine, CA - Hyatt Regency

brought to you by

co-sponsored by

Learn more about LZA Boot Camp

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Robert Evelyn — VP, Strategy and General Manager, DataDirect
Rob Steward — VP, Research and Development, DataDirect
Jonathan Bruce — Program Manager, DataDirect
David Linthicum — Managing Partner, ZapThink

Register today for this free educational seminar!

Is Quaere truly LINQ for Java?

2007-09-25T22:17:00.001-04:00

The LINQ for Java question hit another milestone last week with the arrival of Quaere, although it remains to be seen whether this milestone is significant or not. We've certainly registered some false starts in this space which rightly have been seen as more marketechture than a true innovations on the Java platform.

Lets review some of the feature highlights...

Ability to perform queries against arrays or data structure implementing the Iterable interface.
An internal DSL (based on static imports and fluent interfaces) that lets you integrate the query language with
regular Java code. No preprocessing or code generation steps are required to use the DSL, simply add a reference to the quaere.jar file (and its dependencies).
A large number of querying operators including restriction, selection, projection, set, partitioning, grouping, ordering, quantification, aggregation and conversion operators.
Support for lambda expression
The ability to dynamically define and instantiate anonymous classes.
Many new “keywords” for Java 1.5 and later.

Compared to JLINQ discussed here, this seems like we have alot more meat similar to what is currently being offered in LINQ on the .NET Framework. Certainly the readers of dzone.com seem to feel it has merit, but no one seems to have asked the question: is LINQ on the Java platform actually a necessary innovation? Are there legions of Java programmers who are struggling with data access patterns that don't serve their needs ?

've talked about LINQ on number of posts; for the .NET community LINQ represents a quantum leap that changing the way developers search, sort and generally perform data access. Sure LINQ is not perfect, but it brings to bear many of the things Java developers have enjoyed for many years. One has only to examine the plethora of JDBC driver implementations and gauge the respect the JDBC specifications as the solid foundation for the success of Hibernate, the Spring Framework and many more. With the advent of JPA, I see the problem LINQ seeks to solve is even less acute in Java.

Don't get me wrong, while the effort underway with Quaere is admirable it could just all be an academic exercise. I am of course open to debate on that score...

Webinar: Converting your Applications to DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET

2007-09-25T00:42:00.000-04:00

Another event in our series of ADO.NET online webinars:

Did you start developing your application using the ADO.NET providers supplied by your database vendor? Are you experiencing reliability or performance and scalability issues in your production environment? Are you frustrated by the limitations and the cost involved with dealing with the native database clients?

If so, join us for this technical webinar that will explain the benefits of replacing your existing ADO.NET provider with DataDirect's Connect for ADO.NET. These benefits are based on the fact that the DataDirect solution is 100% managed, which means that your applications will run faster, be more scalable, reliable and secure. We'll address how you can cut your development and deployment costs.

This webinar will walk you through the steps necessary to convert your applications so that they can fully leverage the benefits of the Common Language Runtime. These benefits are tied to the fact that the DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET database provider is 100% managed.

Join us for our EMEA / East Coast time or our PST / Asiapac time...

How to bullet-proof the Data Access Application Block (DAAB)

2007-09-06T16:54:00.000-04:00

Microsoft’s Patterns and Practices group have produced a plethora coding patterns in the form of software blocks that has garnered a huge following in the .NET developer space. Of note is the Enterprise Libraries which packages various coding blocks, most notably the Data Access Application Block (DAAB) as a way to standardize the methodologies that architects designate as way to standardize the coding practices.

Over the past 12 months, I’ve noticed a big push towards DAAB as the foundation for .NET Framework data access strategies. In numerous conversations during my normal day to day interactions with customers, whether at conferences such as Tech Ed, face to face meetings or over the phone I’ve noticed a clear pattern emerging; the motivations of each architect are almost always different, but the goal is the same: build a ubiquitous common data access layer for use of all applications.

For a moment lets also consider the pulse with the .NET developer community: All activity seems suggests that the DAAB pattern has reached a tipping point and is being picked up as the defacto standard way to abstract your application away from the plumbing ADO.NET code even over and above the common programming model delivered in ADO.NET 2.0.
Numerous resources exist on how, where and when to use DAAB. Take a look at these blogs, documentation and articles for details.

To build a truly ubiquitous data access layer, DAAB is an agreeable technical basis for .NET implementations. DAAB provides a clean interface driven leveling of data sources, but your client applications still remain badly exposed where SQL leveling is concerned.

So what is SQL Leveling and why does it matter to me if I want to become the rock star and deliver a truly future-proofed data access layer for my organization?

By definition, SQL leveling provides the capability to write a SQL statement that can be executed across multiple data sources, regardless of the data sources SQL implementation. If any of applications that uses your data access layer has to made even one coding consideration based on what data source it might be talking to, the value of your data access layer is quickly eroded.

Over the course of the next few postings, I will explore various aspects of SQL Leveling and hopefully leave you in little doubt that anyone serious about building a data access block with the Microsoft Enterprise Libraries Data Access Blocks cannot afford to ignore SQL Leveling.

Converting your Applications to Connect for ADO.NET

2007-07-30T23:25:00.000-04:00

Join us for another in our series of webinars for ADO.NET. Next up, we are discuss how to go about 'Converting your applications to Connect for ADO.NET'. Our abstract:

Did you start developing your application using the ADO.NET providers supplied by your database vendor? Are you experiencing reliability or performance and scalability issues in your production environment?
Are you frustrated by the limitations and the cost involved with dealing with the native database clients?

If so, join us for this technical webinar that will explain the benefits of replacing your existing ADO.NET provider with DataDirect's Connect for ADO.NET. These benefits are based on the fact that the DataDirect solution is 100% managed, which means that your applications will run faster, be more scalable, reliable and secure. We'll address how you can cut your development and deployment costs.

This webinar will walk you through the steps necessary to convert your applications so that they can fully leverage the benefits of the Common Language Runtime. These benefits are tied to the fact that the DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET database provider is 100% managed.

Times to join us are posted here.