(July 10, 2002) - DataDirect Technologies Inc. has announced the introduction of DataDirect Connect® for .NET, new data connectivity components that enable software developers to access enterprise data using .NET.

The .NET platform relies on standard data connectivity components called "data providers" that implement the ADO.NET interfaces, enable connectivity and offer various data services to the application. Data providers are implemented as either Managed Data Providers (written in managed code), or Unmanaged Data Providers (written in unmanaged code). For optimal performance, security and ease of use, developers will want to use only managed code, which runs within the Common Language Runtime (CLR), the environment in which .NET applications run. DataDirect Technologies uniquely uses 100% managed code for its .NET Managed Data Providers.

The common architecture provided by DataDirect Connect for .NET supports unique database features and functions, implemented through a standard interface across multiple data sources including Oracle and Sybase. By delivering comprehensive data connectivity support through standards-based technology, DataDirect Technologies ensures consistent access to enterprise data across .NET and other environments such as J2EE, Web, and client/server.

The quality of DataDirect Connect for .NET has been greatly enhanced through the company's relationship with Microsoft, who has provided DataDirect Technologies access to the Microsoft test suite for .NET products. These tools allow DataDirect Technologies to more rigorously test DataDirect Connect for .NET for a wide range of uses to provide optimal user performance. For more information, see www.datadirect-technologies.com.