X

MS does universal access

Microsoft posts a software development kit for OLE DB, its technology for accessing multiple data types through a standard interface from any desktop.

Mike Ricciuti Staff writer, CNET News
Mike Ricciuti joined CNET in 1996. He is now CNET News' Boston-based executive editor and east coast bureau chief, serving as department editor for business technology and software covered by CNET News, Reviews, and Download.com. E-mail Mike.
See full bio
Mike Ricciuti
Microsoft has posted a software development kit for its OLE DB universal database access API (application programming interface) to its Web site.

OLE DB is the company's technology for accessing multiple data types--including text, video, audio, and data stored in relational database management systems--through a standard interface from any desktop, either across corporate networks or the Internet. It includes Microsoft's existing ODBC API, which provides access to databases via SQL (Structured Query Language).

Using the SDK, software developers can define any data source as ActiveX components that can be included in applications written with any ActiveX-aware development tool, including Microsoft's own tools, as well as those from Powersoft, Borland International, and other companies.

Microsoft (MSFT) plans to incorporate OLE DB technology in its entire line of tools and applications.

The SDK includes a programmer's reference, test utilities, sample code, code to access ODBC data sources via OLE DB, and a beta copy of Microsoft's ActiveX Data Objects, software that allows ActiveX-aware tools to use OLE DB.