DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET – Release History

See the current Release Highlights for what's included in the latest release.

Release 3.1

Support for the Microsoft Enterprise Libraries Data Access Application Block (DAAB)
Microsoft Enterprise Libraries is a set of application blocks designed to assist developers with common enterprise development challenges. The Data Access Application Block (DAAB) is an application block that includes reusable and extensible source code-based guidance that simplifies development of common data access functionality in .NET Framework applications. All DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET data providers support the DAAB, which is the Microsoft-endorsed approach for developing API-agnostic .NET applications that must support multiple databases. By combining the benefits of DAAB-based application architecture with DataDirect interoperability features and SQL Leveling, developers can achieve true database interoperability. For more information, read Using Microsoft® Enterprise Library Application Blocks With DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET. DAAB support requires Release 3.1, SP1.

Enhanced support for Meta-data Schema Options
In order to handle meta-data queries that result in a large amount of information, DataDirect now provides tunable and fine-grained control of what meta-data is returned to the ADO.NET provider to the application. The developer can configure whether specific collections (e.g., Descriptions, Synonyms, etc.) are returned as the result of a DBCommand.GetSchema() method call. This capability requires Release 3.1, SP 1.

Support for Visual Studio 2008
DataDirect has added support for Visual Studio version 2008, including complete integration of all DataDirect Performance Tuning Wizards, DBA tools including Table and View Wizards, as well as developer aids with standard Templates and Toolkits. This capability requires Release 3.1, SP 2.

Improved Integration with Visual Studio 2005
DataDirect has updated its support for Visual Studio 2005, including integration of the DataDirect Performance Tuning Wizards, DBA tools including Table and View Wizards, as well as developer aids with standard Templates and Toolkits. This capability requires Release 3.1, SP 1.

Support for 64-bit .NET Framework
The Microsoft .NET Framework is available in both a 32-bit and 64-bit version. The 64-bit version is designed for x64 processors such as AMD Opteron and Intel Xeon with Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T). Organizations are turning to 64-bit platform solutions for the increased scalability, better performance and reduced query times that result from the greater memory support and greater processing capabilities inherent in 64-bit platforms. DataDirect is the only vendor that provides ADO.NET connectivity in 64-bit environments for all major databases in our standard Connect for ADO.NET product version. DataDirect installs the components necessary to support both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, greatly simplifying the installation process and making it easier to develop a common application image that supports both platforms.

Operating System (OS) Authentication (aka Single Sign-On/Kerberos)
OS authentication is a trusted third-party authentication service that verifies user identities. The latest release of DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET data providers support NTLM, which delivers a session security mechanism that provides for message confidentiality (encryption) and integrity (signing). Kerberos is a variety of NTLM.

This feature can be used to integrate the authentication of users for an application with the authentication mechanisms provided by the environment the application runs in. Organizations can create a Single Sign-On environment that bolsters security, eliminates the need for users to log in separately for each application, and reduces the costs associated with managing user accounts. DataDirect's OS authentication features allow the ADO.NET data provider to integrate seamlessly into that environment.

The following authentication features are supported:

  • Delegated credentials – Provides the ability for the application to act on behalf of the user. For web-based applications, the application or web server can use the delegated credential that represents the user vs. the credential that represents the server administrator. This bolsters security because the application can base permissions on the actual end-user. In addition, the application audit trail can associate usage with the end-user vs. a generic system administrator ID.
  • Re-authentication – DataDirect provides the ability to re-associate a pooled connection with a different authenticated user. Applications that use connection pooling can use this feature to more efficiently re-use connections while minimizing the number of connections required in the pool. Support for re-authentication is dependent on the database (refer to database specific section for more information).
  • Comprehensive KDC (Kerberos Key Distribution Center) support – Includes support for both Activity Directory and MIT.

See our Security Support Matrix for complete information on the type of security features supported for each of the major databases and how these features are supported.

Support for Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Encryption – SSL is an industry-standard protocol for sending encrypted data over database connections. SSL secures the integrity of your data by encrypting information and providing client/server authentication. DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET data providers support SSL to protect data that is transmitted between the database and the application, data that could otherwise be compromised. Support for data encryption and encryption algorithm is dependent on the database.

See our Security Support Matrix for complete information on the type of security features supported for each of the major databases and how these features are supported.

XML Data Type Support – The database vendors have started to add support for a native XML data type that will allow you to store native XML data. A database table can now be created that contains one or more XML data type columns. XML data type columns are stored as large binary objects enabling the XML model to support document order and recursive structures. Unfortunately, the data type implementation approaches used by the database vendors vary, making it difficult to develop interoperable database access code. In this release, DataDirect is adding support for XML data types in the Oracle and DB2 ADO.NET providers. DataDirect is providing a consistent mechanism to interact and manage XML data across databases and across DataDirect products (ADO.NET, JDBC and ODBC).

Support for Database Vendor Parameter Binding & Syntax
DataDirect has long since provided interoperability capabilities that make it easy to support multiple databases (e.g., Oracle & SQL Server) in a .NET environment. The latest release of Connect for .NET complements this interoperability support by allowing organizations to leverage their existing code base while taking advantage of DataDirect's superior data providers. DataDirect now includes support for parameter markers and binding behavior that is specific to the syntax used by the database vendor data providers. This approach makes it possible to reuse database vendor provider-specific code and simplifies migration effort to the DataDirect data providers.

DataAdapter Batch Update Support - applications can now manage the update batch size for more efficient updates
The DataDirect providers have been enhanced to support the ability to update DataSets using configurable batches. Using the DataAdapter class, the developer can configure updates to be performed using the largest batch size supported by the data source or with a specific batch size. Support for single row updates are still provided. DataDirect's support for batch updates is an industry first and builds upon a 100% managed architecture that delivers best in class performance. Applications that leverage this new batch update capability will realize an immediate improvement in terms of performance. Better yet, these performance gains that can be realized without costly changes to application logic.

IPv6 Support – The pool of IPv4 Internet addresses is shrinking rapidly. IPv6 (Internet protocol version 6) opens up a large number of additional Internet addresses and is supported by the latest version of all major databases. The U.S. government has mandated that federal agencies use IPv6 by June 2008. In Release 3.1, IPv6 is supported by the DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET DB2, SQL Server, and Sybase providers.

Databases Supported

  • Oracle 8i 8.1.6, 8.1.7
  • Oracle 9i R1, R2
  • Oracle 10g R1, R2
  • Oracle 11g
  • Sybase ASE 11.x, 12,0, 12.5, 12.5.1, 12.5.2, 12.5.3, 12.5.4 and 15
  • DB2 LUW 7.x, 8.x, 9.1, and 9.5
  • DB2 7.x, 8.1, 9.1 for z/OS
  • DB2 V5R1; V5R2, V5R3 and V5R4 for iSeries
  • SQL Server 2000 and 2005

Release 3.0

ADO.NET 2.0 Conformance

The ADO.NET 2.0 specification provides support for a Common Programming Model that supports a provider- and data source-independent programming model. In the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.x, ADO.NET 1.0 connection objects were required to be explicitly stated and are designed to be specific to the individual database type. This made it impossible to write interoperable code for the various database providers—Oracle, DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, and Sybase.

In ADO.NET 2.0, a collection of related classes that provide common operations allow the developer to code to generic interfaces, which allows a database call to be made without knowing in advance the target database. These objects share common object names that will be implemented using an inheritance model. A Provider Factory model is used that allocates instances of the class based on the individual provider types—OracleFactory, DB2Factory, SybaseFactory, all of which are members of the DDTek namespace). ADO.NET 2.0 supports a new set of interfaces that will allow providers to be enumerated programmatically—a developer can enumerate meta-information about the features and details of providers that are registered on each host.

DataDirect Visual Studio 2005 Developer Tools

DataDirect provides visual development aids that assist in developing interoperable database code using Microsoft Visual Studio 2005. These visual development aids are seamlessly integrated into the Visual Studio 2005 environment and provide a consistent level of functionality across the different database types, including Oracle, DB2, SQL Server, and Sybase. A visual drag-and-drop metaphor is leveraged that includes support for a Server Explorer, Code Generation Wizards, Query Builder and Schema Viewer. Contextual help has been integrated into the Visual Studio 2005 environment that will provide a more robust developer environment when programming with DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET 3.0.

Visual Coding Features include:

  • Full support for Server Explorer. Schema information (including support for a broad set of optional collections) can be exposed for all standard collections such as Tables, Columns, and Procedure arguments.
  • Graphical connection dialogs guide the developer through the connection process. The dialogs allow developers to save connection strings for use in later development or production usage.

Windows Forms application developers can leverage Drag-and-Drop capability for DataDirect data provider objects:

  • Use wizards to generate code for use with DataDirect data providers.
  • Use Query Builder to graphically design database queries. DataDirect automatically generates the application code necessary to set properties based on properties that are visually designated by the developer.

Schema Metadata Support

The ADO.NET 2.0 specification has been enhanced to include support for MetaData collections based on the concept of the ANSI SQL Information Schema specification. These improvements make it easier for the developer to ascertain information about the database schema, including information about a data source schema, column details and data type information. The MetaData collections are designed to work in a similar fashion for all data sources, regardless of database type (Oracle, DB2 and Sybase). The GetSchema Method, a common method used by all providers, is leveraged to support the standard and optional MetaData collections: MetaDataCollection, DataSourceInformation, DataTypes, ReservedWords, and Restrictions. Collections for returning information about Catalogs, Columns, Databases, ForeignKeys, Indexes, PrimaryKeys, Procedures, ProceduresParamaters, Schemata, Tables, TablePrivileges, Views, Users, UserDefinedTypes are also provided.

New Database Support

Release 3.0 adds new database support for Oracle 10g R2, Sybase 15, and Microsoft SQL Server 2005. DataDirect always keeps current with the latest version and feature support of the major databases, allowing customers the flexibility of leveraging the release that is most appropriate for their environment. This is done with a single version of the provider, for example, one provider for all versions of Oracle including 8i, 9i and 10g.

Performance Enhancements

Release 3.0 includes a range of performance enhancements relating to improvements in ADO.NET 2.0, including support for the Native Image Generator (NGEN). NGEN crates a native image from a managed assembly and installs it into the native image cache on the application host server. This significantly reduces the start-up time associated for GUI-intensive applications such as Windows Forms, and provides the potential for other performance gains.

The DataDirect providers are known to significantly outperform other ADO.NET provider options due to the impressive performance characteristics of the DataDirect wire protocol architecture. DataDirect dedicates a significant number of engineering and testing resources to performance and scalability improvements in each release of our providers.

ClickOnce Deployment

Because the DataDirect providers are 100% managed code, they can leverage the capabilities provided by the Microsoft .NET Framework relative to deployment. In the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0, Microsoft has expanded support for No-Touch Deployment with the introduction of ClickOnce. ClickOnce is a deployment technology that allows you to create self-updating Windows-based applications that require little user interaction to install and run. ClickOnce provides new capabilities, such as support for running applications offline, allowing end users or administrators to roll back to previous versions of an application, and listing an application in the Windows Start menu and the Remove Programs catalog within the Control Panel.

Since the DataDirect providers can be deployed via the ClickOnce feature, new innovations and improvements that are included in our future product releases can easily be deployed. For organizations that don't leverage ClickOnce, DataDirect still provides a significant advantage because the provider can be deployed alongside the application using the deployment method of choice. This is not the case for providers that require the native database client, since the database clients can't be deployed and maintained as part of the application code.

System.Transactions Support

The Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 consolidates support for all transaction capabilities into a new set of interfaces that reside in the core namespace. This enhanced support is significant since the DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET 3.0 providers can manage local, global and distributed transactions via a single interface. It is now possible to enlist a Connection object in a transaction instance using a simple call. All of the DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET 3.0 providers support this new interface, including the Oracle, DB2, and Sybase providers.

Release 2.2: (Supports applications that use Microsoft .NET Framework 1.x)

All Providers

  • Performance Tuning Wizard – Performance tuning is part science, part art—for most organizations it is largely guesswork. DataDirect eliminates the guesswork and ensures that optimal driver performance can be attained out-of-the-box. This is accomplished by allowing you to tune the environment through an intuitive, graphical-based wizard. The wizard walks you through a set of questions related to the target environment. Based on this information, the wizard automatically generates a connection string, which can then be used to easily configure the provider for optimal performance.
  • Enhanced interoperability across providers – The ability to set RowsetSize in a SQL statement rather than in the code.

Oracle

  • Performance enhancements
  • Ability to execute PL/SQL upon connection
  • Ability to use native Named Parameter format in stored procedure calls
  • Support for multiple TNS Names files for failover purposes

DB2

  • Support for DB2 UDB 8.1 for z/OS, DB2 UDB on AS/400 v5r3, DB2 UDB 8.2 for Windows, UNIX, and Linux

Sybase

  • Support for Sybase Adaptive Server (ASE) 12.5.2 and 12.5.3

Release 2.1:

All Providers

  • Connection Fail-over enhancements - The providers continue to retry servers until they connect. User can define list of available servers in a connection option and specify how many retries to attempt.
  • Client-side Load Balancing - Allows the provider to randomly connect to one of the servers in the servers list to balance the load on the servers. This prevents the provider from always connecting to the first server in the fail-over list and distributes the load more evenly.
  • Ability to use Stream Objects as inputs for Long data parameters - Improves performance, functionality and scalability when inserting large documents into a database.
  • Additional support for No-Touch Deployment - All providers can obtain licensing information from within the application, which enable it to seamlessly use No-Touch Deployment.
  • Microsoft Compatible Connection Pooling - Connection Pooling is compatible with the way Microsoft has implemented it in SQLClient.

Oracle

  • 10g Binary Float and Binary Double Data types
  • Support for Oracle RAC
  • Enhanced TNSNAMES.ORA Support
  • New Connection Option - Server Type (ST)
  • Support for PL/SQL Associative Arrays (Table type) as input parameters to Stored Procedures

DB2

  • Distributed Transaction Support (UDB on Windows, Unix or Linux 8.1)
  • DeriveParameters support
  • Command.Cancel support
  • Support for return codes from stored procedures
  • UID/PWD encryption
  • Improved Bulk Operations/Batch Update Performance
  • Ability to change and expired password on connection
  • Support for CLOB columns of 32K or less on UDB 7.x servers
  • Support for AS/400 databases with the No Logging option turned on
  • Support for character set translations for columns defined with CCSID 65535

MS SQL Server

  • Support for Windows Authentication
  • Support for Named Instances

Sybase

  • Sybase ASE 12.5.1 Support (Date and Time data type support)

Release 2.0:

  • New Microsoft SQL Server wire protocol data provider for 7.x and SQL Server 2000.
  • New DB2 wire protocol data provider for UDB on all backend platforms. See the database support matrix for all the DB2 versions and platforms supported.
  • Provider interoperability features: Parameter Arrays; Standard error code mappings (SQLStates); ODBC/JDBC Stored Procedure escape support.
  • Oracle enhancements: support for Oracle 9i Service Names and support for PL/SQL Table type, as well as performance improvements in handling LOB datatypes (reading and writing) and for executing SQL statements multiple times.
  • Sybase enhancements: support for Unichar datatypes and the InitializationString Connection String Option.
  • Support added to all providers for PerfMon hooks for help in tuning and debugging.
  • All data providers support connection pooling and Debug tracing
  • All data providers support distributed transactions (except DB2)

Release 1.1:

  • Distributed transaction support using Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator (DTC)
  • New support for Oracle data types: Timestamp, Timestamp with Local Time Zone, Timestamp with Time Zone (all Timestamp data types are supported in Oracle 9i or higher only), NChar, NVarchar, NClob, and ROWID
  • Support for ODBC/JDBC escape sequences, including outer joins, scalar functions, and date, time, and timestamp literals
  • Support for TNSNames File: The Oracle provider supports retrieving connection information from the TNSNames configuration file as used by OCI/Net8
  • Support for Interfaces File: The Sybase provider supports retrieving connection information from Sybase Interfaces file as used by Open Client
  • Support for Oracle 9iR2

Release 1.0:

  • 100% managed data providers for connecting your .NET applications to Oracle and Sybase
  • No database client libraries required such as Oracle Net for Oracle 9i
  • Unique testing and certification against DataDirect Technologies' test suites and Microsoft's .NET test suites
  • Consistent performance and functionality across databases
  • Broad database functionality, including data types, stored procedures, connection pooling, and CommandBuilders
  • Built-in tracing to speed debugging efforts
  • A Software Developer Kit that includes a development license for our ADO providers. This can help you better integrate with Visual Studio .NET. (An optional development license of our ADO providers is available for embedded technology customers.)
  • Compliant with Microsoft .NET 1.0 Framework Software Development Kit