INFO: ODBC/OLE DB/ADO/RDS are Inter-Dependent for MDAC 2.x

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Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) is comprised of a package of components integrated to provide a complete data access solution. These components have been developed and tested together to ensure the most reliable data access for the customer.

ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) 1.0 and ADC 1.1 shipped as separate components before being merged into the MDAC package. ADC 1.1 shipped as an .exe file and as a .cab file that could be downloaded from the Web. ADO 1.0 primarily shipped in a stand-alone .exe file.

MDAC 1.5 brought these technologies together into a single package. MDAC 1.5 was distributed and installed as a stand-alone .exe file (aside from installing with Internet Information Server 4.0 and Internet Explorer 4.0). A .cab file provided on-demand Web installation of minimal client components where Internet Explorer 4.0 was not guaranteed to be installed on the client workstation.

MDAC 2.x further enhances the functionality available to developers. It also is distributed primarily by stand-alone .exe files. Mdac_Typ.exe contains the MDAC core along with OLE DB providers and ODBC drivers for various data stores (see the download page for more details).

Mdac_Typ.exe is available both on the Web and with the Data Access 2.x Software Development Kit (SDK). The Web site is: MDAC 2.x is no longer distributed in CAB format for Web download. The size of the minimum core MDAC components has increased, and the components depend on upgraded system components that require a workstation reboot to install. Those who wish to leverage the new features of MDAC 2.x at the client workstation do need to distribute the MDAC stand-alone package of their choice to the client workstation, either by physical media or by a link from the page being accessed.

The "Redistributing Microsoft Data Access Components" white paper presents a complete and comprehensive vision of redistribution issues for all MDAC releases. It is available from the following Web site, as well as within the October 1998 (and later) Microsoft Developer Network subscription. The Web address is: