Microsoft Data Access Components

Microsoft Data Access Components

Abstract
Today, developers building database solutions face many challenges as they seek to integrate the variety of data found across most enterprises. More than ever, integrated database solutions need to access data stored in both DBMS and non-DBMS information sources. DBMS sources used heavily in today's workplace include mainframe databases such as IMS and DB2, server databases such as Oracle and Microsoft® SQL Server™, and desktop databases such as Microsoft Access, Microsoft FoxPro®, and Paradox. Non-DBMS sources, on the other hand, could include information stored in file systems (on multiple platforms), indexed-sequential files, email, spreadsheets, project management tools, and any other type of data used regularly. Just the thought of having to interface with all of these data sources within a single database solution is overwhelming. If you've worked with any of these data sources in the past, you'll appreciate the challenge of becoming proficient with the tools and interface of even a single package. As data storage continues to evolve, you will be faced with new challenges from new data formats. What you really need is a simple yet universal data access strategy that is capable of interfacing with virtually any present or future data format. And this universal data access strategy is provided by Microsoft data Access Components generally known as MDAC.