Stephen Wynkoop, Founder of the SQL Server World Wide Users Group (SSWUG) writes about 'Understanding Managed Code' in today's editorial on SSWUG.org. The abstract below, make this nothing short of essential reading: "Many NET applications fail to meet user requirements because they do not provide optimal access to underlying Oracle, Sybase, or DB2 databases. In these cases, the root cause is often unmanaged ADO.NET data providers shipped by the database vendor or from Microsoft. Often these components pass initial testing with pilot applications, but fail in large scale deployments when performance, functionality, and scalability are put to the test." Update: 07h33 4/17/2007: I've received multiple email over night complaining that I neglected to post a link to the story - ouch! You can read the article here.