Whether a beginner or an expert, learning your training starts here. The documents below provide insights into the different data development technologies, while the selection guides on this page will help you find specific technologies of interest depending on your needs.
A short article illustrating the relationships between the different data technologies.
A comprehensive look at all of Microsoft data development technologies as they've been introduced over the last two decades.
Whitepaper that covers all facets of data development in .NET including current client- and service-based APIs, programming at a server level inside the SQL Server 2008 database, developing and testing a SQL Server database application, and future directions.
Currently Shipping
Provides simplified and productive data access with less code than ever. Supports LINQ as well as access through a higher-level conceptual model rather than database structures.
Enables the creation and consumption of REST-based data services for the web.
The basic data-access technology for .NET, upon which the Entity Framework is built.
A method to work with Microsoft SQL Server databases using LINQ. (Note that new applications are encouraged to use the Entity Framework.)
Visit the SQL Server Developer's Center for information on SQL Server Native Client, PHP Driver for SQL Server, and Java Database Connectivity for SQL Server (JDBC).
XML has become the almost universally supported way of exchanging documents and data across applications and platforms.
The Microsoft Windows Data Access Components: ADO, OLE DB, ODBC, and more. (Collectively known as MDAC/WDAC)
Future
A declarative language with which to build data models, domain models, and domain-specific languages (DSLs).
Pre-built domains, tools, and the Repository database for enterprise-level modeling.
A future tool for browsing and editing data, including entity model data, in any SQL Server database.
Upcoming changes for the .NET Framework version 4.