dotConnect for SQL Server
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 for SQL Server
dotConnect for SQL Server is a .NET data provider that enables applications to connect to Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL Database using ADO.NET-compatible APIs. It targets .NET developers building desktop, web, or service applications that need SQL Server connectivity, data access, and integration with common .NET data frameworks. The product focuses on providing a provider implementation (rather than a database engine) with support for SQL Server-specific features and tooling for Visual Studio integration.
ADO.NET-compatible SQL Server provider
It implements standard ADO.NET provider components (connections, commands, data readers, adapters) for SQL Server, which fits common .NET application patterns. This reduces the amount of custom integration work compared with building directly on lower-level connectivity options. It is designed to work with both on-premises SQL Server and cloud-hosted Azure SQL Database scenarios.
Integration with .NET data frameworks
It supports common .NET data access approaches that rely on provider behavior, such as typed datasets and provider-based ORM/data-layer tooling. This can simplify adoption in existing .NET codebases that already use ADO.NET abstractions. It also provides design-time integration for developer workflows in Visual Studio, which can speed up configuration and development tasks.
SQL Server feature coverage
The provider is built specifically for SQL Server, enabling use of SQL Server data types and database features through the .NET data access layer. This can be beneficial when applications depend on SQL Server-specific behaviors rather than generic SQL connectivity. It also supports secure connectivity patterns expected in enterprise environments (for example, encrypted connections and modern authentication options, depending on deployment configuration).
Not a database platform
Despite being listed near database products, it does not provide a relational database engine, hosting, backups, replication, or operational management. Organizations still need SQL Server (or Azure SQL Database) and separate tooling for administration, monitoring, and high availability. It is primarily an application connectivity component rather than a full database solution.
Primarily .NET ecosystem focused
Its value is concentrated in Microsoft/.NET application stacks; it is not intended for polyglot environments in the way many database platforms and managed services are. Teams using other languages may not benefit and will need different drivers/providers. This can limit standardization if an organization supports multiple runtime ecosystems.
Licensing and vendor dependency
As a third-party provider, it introduces an additional vendor dependency for critical data access paths. Upgrades may be required to maintain compatibility with new SQL Server versions, .NET runtime changes, or security requirements. Licensing costs and redistribution terms can also be a consideration compared with using built-in or platform-provided connectivity options.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Express | Free | Free Express Edition (limited feature set) — available after trial; design-time support for .NET Framework. Source: Devart editions page. |
| Developer | Not listed on product page (paid) | Developer edition (full feature set). Devart dotConnect family page states "Pricing starts at $219.95"; exact per-product Developer price for dotConnect for SQL Server is not displayed on the product ordering page — contact sales or purchase portal for exact SKU pricing. |
| Server / OEM / Enterprise | Custom / Contact sales | Devart offers Server, OEM, and site licenses with custom pricing; ordering page and licensing docs indicate contact sales for enterprise terms. |
Seller details
Devart
Prague, Czech Republic
1997
Private
https://www.devart.com/
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