One of the most fundamental differences between DataSplice 2.3.x and 3.0.x is the way that data sources are accessed.

DataSplice 2.3.x

In DataSplice 2.3.x, database connections were accomplished by using open database connectivity (ODBC). For each database of interest, a corresponding data source name (DSN) had to be properly configured on the same server computer on which the DataSplice Server resided. While this provided the ability to communicate with a large number of databases, it also created substantial overhead. By its very nature, ODBC has a fair amount of overhead to deal with. In addition, ODBC is somewhat limited in the types of data sources that it can connect to.

Connection profiles were managed by the DataSplice Server, and were configured in the Connection Profiles tab of the Administration Client.

DataSplice 3.0.x

In DataSplice 3.0.x, connections to data sources are handled by a specialized plug-in, rather than the DataSplice Server itself. This plug-in uses ADO.NET to provide increased flexibility and data source connectivity possibilities. This format uses specific native drivers to connect to different databases. The configurations are also simpler, since no ODBC DSNs need to be set up.

Connection profiles are managed by the data source plug-in. Configurations for the data sources are handled in the configuration section of the ADO.NET data source plug-in.

Additional Information

For detailed ADO.NET plug-in configuration information, see the corresponding ADO.NET data source plug-in section of the DataSplice Administration Client manual.