Connecting to SQL server 2008R2 without installing SQL native client

[Marius2]

Hello,

We are considering updating from AnyDac to UniDac (but will buy it anyway because of fpc/lazarus thanks to the takeover of AnyDac by Embarcadero ). But we have some questions concerning our main company application in combination with OLE DB connectivity.

We have a strange situation where we need to make a connection to SQL server 2008R2 *without* the native SQL client installed (we are not allowed because of connections running via Citrix server(s)). If I'm correct UniDac will automaticly fallback on the (now deprecated) OLE DB driver. AFAIK OLE DB should work better than ODBC (that is without having problems with cursors and all kind of awkward hstmt errors)

We dont have much experiences with OLD-DB, so our questions are:
-Is OLE DB standard installed on the majority of operating systems like Windows XP and 7?
-do any of you know is this is going to work or is this asking for troubles?
-Any alternatives on connecting to SQL 2008?

BTW; We only use SQL server 2005 capabilities..

Marius

[azyk]

If I'm correct UniDac will automaticly fallback on the (now deprecated) OLE DB driver.

All correct. By default, TUniConnection.SpecificOptions.Values['OLEDBProvider'] is set to 'prAuto'. This means that if SQL Native Client is not installed on the client PC, UniDAC will use the standard OLEDB provider.

- The standard OLEDB provider is supplied together with this OS.
- We haven't tested UniDAC compatibility with SQL Server running on Citrix. However, you can test it by yourself.
- You can use the Direct mode for connection to SQL Server. The Direct mode supports connection to SQL Server via TCP/IP, and doesn't require any additional drivers installation on the client PC. To use the Direct mode, set the TUniConnection.SpecificOptions.Values['OLEDBProvider'] property to 'prDirect'. The detailed description of the Direct mode for SQL Server can be found in our documentation: http://www.devart.com/sdac/docs/index.h ... t_mode.htm .

[Marius2]

This gives me a lot more confidence in the OLE DB solution!

Thanks!

[azyk]

Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions about UniDAC.