Configuring OLE DB Data Sources: Windows Only  
 
 

ColdFusion developers can now access a range of new data stores through Microsoft OLE DB, including:

  • MAPI-based data stores such as Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Mail
  • Non-relational data stores, such as Lotus Notes
  • LDAP 2.0 data
  • Data from OLE applications like word processors and spreadsheets
  • Mainframe data
  • HTML and text files, flat-file data

Enabling this capability requires installation of OLE DB providers available from third-party vendors. The provider software handles data processing in response to requests from the OLE DB consumer, in this case ColdFusion.

After installing and configuring the provider software, open the ColdFusion Administrator Data Sources OLE DB page and add data stores supported by that provider. As with other ColdFusion data sources, you enter a name and description and select advanced settings as needed. You will also need to enter:

  • Provider -- The ProgID
  • ProviderDSN -- The data source name

The data source displays on the main OLE DB page and can be used in data queries.

Performance gains can be made by running an OLE DB provider, instead of an ODBC driver, to process SQL. This is dependent on how the provider implements the data call. Some providers route OLE DB calls through the ODBC Driver Manager, while others go directly to the database. Providers that go directly to the database are akin to native drivers in providing an alternative to ODBC. Providers are available for all the major relational DBMS products as well as the data stores listed above.

OLE DB is a Microsoft specification. For more information, including a list of provider vendors, go to their OLE DB site: http://www.microsoft.com/data/oledb/.



 
 
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