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ADO.NET and Data Provider Classes

ADO.NET is a set of classes that allow applications to access database management systems such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and DB2.

Note: ADO.NET is not a DBMS; it is only an access mechanism.

Data providers are a set of classes that act as a bridge between ADO.NET and the DBMS. Data providers are DBMS-specific and may be provided by Microsoft, the DBMS vendor or a third-party.