dotConnect Universal
Relational databases
Database software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$219.95 perpetual license
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What is dotConnect Universal
dotConnect Universal is a .NET data provider and connectivity layer that enables applications to connect to multiple relational database systems through a consistent ADO.NET-based interface. It targets .NET developers building data-driven applications who need database access, provider features, and tooling support without rewriting data access code for each database. The product focuses on database connectivity, provider-specific optimizations, and integration with common .NET development environments rather than operating a database engine itself.
Broad multi-database connectivity
dotConnect Universal is designed to work across multiple relational databases using a unified provider approach. This can reduce the need to maintain separate provider packages and connection logic per database type. It is useful for teams supporting several database back ends across environments or customer deployments.
ADO.NET and tooling integration
The product aligns with ADO.NET patterns used in many .NET applications. It typically fits into existing .NET data access stacks and supports common development workflows in Visual Studio. This helps teams integrate database connectivity into applications without adopting a new database platform or service.
Provider-level performance features
As a connectivity component, it can expose database-specific capabilities (for example, data types, parameters, and command behaviors) through a consistent API surface. This can improve reliability compared with generic ODBC/OLE DB approaches in some .NET scenarios. It is particularly relevant where applications need fine-grained control over commands, transactions, and data adapters.
Not a database platform
dotConnect Universal does not provide a relational database engine, storage, or managed database operations. Organizations still need to select, deploy, and operate (or subscribe to) the underlying database systems separately. It therefore addresses application connectivity rather than database administration, scaling, or high availability.
Licensing and vendor dependency
As a commercial connectivity layer, usage typically depends on licensing terms and ongoing vendor support. This can introduce cost and procurement overhead compared with using built-in or open-source providers where available. Long-term compatibility depends on the vendor’s update cadence for new database versions and .NET runtime changes.
Database feature parity varies
A single “universal” provider approach can expose different levels of support depending on the target database and driver capabilities. Advanced database-specific features may still require database-specific SQL, extensions, or separate provider components. Teams may need additional testing to ensure consistent behavior across all supported databases.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Express | Free | Limited free Express edition: common ADO.NET classes and native data types; limited design-time/features; automatically available after trial ends. Source: Devart editions/licensing pages. |
| Developer (Paid) | $219.95 one-time (perpetual) — "pricing starts at $219.95" on Devart site | Full-featured Developer edition: all ADO.NET classes, design-time extensions, wizards, bundled providers for Oracle/MySQL/PostgreSQL/SQLite, Visual Studio integration; includes 1-year updates/support; optional Premium Support starting at $60. |
| Server / OEM / Enterprise (Licensing options) | Custom / Contact sales | Devart offers Server and OEM licenses and custom enterprise pricing; one-year coverage for updates/support included with purchases; 30-day money-back guarantee. |
Seller details
Devart
Prague, Czech Republic
1997
Private
https://www.devart.com/
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