ODBC

OLE DB

OLE DB provides universal data integration over enterprise networks ranging from mainframes to desktops. It is a COM-based, low-level set of data access interfaces that enables data sources of all types and sizes to work together seamlessly. These interfaces provide data access, manipulation, consistency, and interoperability.

OLE DB is the fundamental COM building block for storing and retrieving records in a database. It extends the functionality of traditional relational databases by grouping them into logical components, and providing the events needed for those components to communicate.

Lesson Summary

Applications can connect to external databases through interfaces grouped into three categories: file-based and ISAM, ODBC, and OLE DB. Each category is based on the type of data it stores. ISAM database interfaces accommodate data that is saved as text. ODBC is the industry standard for accessing SQL data sources, and OLE DB provides a common interface for all data storage formats.