This chapter introduces Oracle Provider for OLE DB (OraOLEDB).
OLE DB data provider. Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC. Exposes data traditionally accessed using ODBC. Microsoft OLE DB Provider for Oracle. Accesses Oracle 7.3 and Oracle8 data. Microsoft Jet database. Microsoft OLE DB Provider for Microsoft Jet. Accesses data from Access, Paradox, dBASE, Excel, FoxPro, and more.
This chapter contains these topics:
OLE DB is an open standard data access methodology which utilizes a set of Component Object Model (COM) interfaces for accessing and manipulating different types of data. These interfaces are available from various database providers.
The design of OLE DB centers around the concept of a consumer and a provider. Figure 1-1 is an illustration of the OLE DB system. The consumer represents the traditional client. The provider places data into a tabular format and returns it to the consumer.
Figure 1-1 OLE DB Flow
OLE DB Data Providers
OLE DB data providers are a set of COM components that transfer data from a data source to a consumer. An OLE DB Provider places that data in a tabular format in response to calls from a consumer. Providers can be simple or complex. A provider may return a table, it may allow the consumer to determine the format of that table, and it may perform operations on the data.
Each provider implements a standard set of COM interfaces to handle requests from the consumer. A provider may implement optional COM interfaces to provide additional functionality.
With the standard interfaces, any OLE DB consumer can access data from any provider. Because of COM components, consumers can access them in any programming language that supports COM, such as C++, Visual Basic, and Java.
OLE DB Data Consumers
The OLE DB data consumer is any application or tool that utilizes OLE DB interfaces of a provider to access a broad range of data.
Oracle Provider for OLE DB (OraOLEDB) is an OLE DB data provider that offers high performance and efficient access to Oracle data by OLE DB consumers.
In general, this developer's guide assumes that you are using OraOLEDB through OLE DB or ADO.
For sample code, the latest patches, and other technical information on the Oracle Provider for OLE DB, go to
With the advent of the .NET framework, support has been provided for using the OLEDB.NET Data Provider with OraOLEDB. With the proper connection attribute setting, an OLEDB.NET Data Provider can utilize OraOLEDB to access Oracle Database.
See Also:
'OLEDB.NET Data Provider Compatibility' for further information on support for OLEDB.NET Data ProviderThe following items are required on a system to use Oracle Provider for OLE DB:
Windows Operating System:
32-bit: Windows Vista (Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate Editions), Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional Edition.
64 bit: Windows Vista x64 (Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate Editions), Windows Server 2003 x64, Windows Server 2003 R2 x64, or Windows XP x64.
64-bit: Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based systems.
Access to an Oracle Database (Oracle 9.2 or later)
Oracle Client release 11.1 or later and Oracle Net Services (included with Oracle Provider for OLE DB installation).
Redistributable files provided with Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) 2.1 or higher are required by the provider. These files are available at the Microsoft Web site:
Oracle Services for Microsoft Transaction Server release 11.1 or higher. This is required for consumers using Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS) or COM+.
Oracle Provider for OLE DB is included as part of your Oracle installation. It contains the features and demos that illustrate how to use this product to solve real-world problems.
See Also:
During the installation process, the files listed in Table 1-1 are installed on the system. Some files have ver
in their name to indicate the release version.
Table 1-1 Oracle Provider for OLE DB Files
File | Description | Location |
---|---|---|
| Oracle Provider for OLE DB |
|
| Oracle rowset file cache manager |
|
| Oracle rowset memory cache manager |
|
| Oracle rowset Omnisphere 2. 6 update. |
|
| Oracle ODBC SQL parser |
|
where | Language-specific resource DLL |
|
| Property descriptions |
|
| OraOLEDB utility DLL |
|
| OraOLEDB type library |
|
| OraOLEDB header file |
|
| OraOLEDB library file |
|
where | Language-specific message file |
|
readme and documentation files | Release notes and online documentation |
|
sample files | Sample code |
|
Oracle provides support information for components on various platforms, lists compatible client and database versions, and identifies patches and workaround information.
Find the latest certification information at:
You must register online before using OracleMetaLink. After logging into OracleMetaLink, select Product Lifecycle from the left column. From the Products Lifecycle page, click Certifications. Other Product Lifecycle options include Product Availability, Desupport Notices, and Alerts.