Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) version 2.
x has increased inter-dependencies compared to previous releases.
This poses some implications for redistribution, especially for Remote Data
Service (RDS) Client applications.
Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) is comprised of a
package of components integrated to provide a complete data access solution.
These components have been developed and tested together to ensure the most
reliable data access for the customer.
ActiveX Data Objects (ADO)
1.0 and ADC 1.1 shipped as separate components before being merged into the
MDAC package. ADC 1.1 shipped as an .exe file and as a .cab file that could be
downloaded from the Web. ADO 1.0 primarily shipped in a stand-alone .exe file.
MDAC 1.5 brought these technologies together into a single package.
MDAC 1.5 was distributed and installed as a stand-alone .exe file (aside from
installing with Internet Information Server 4.0 and Internet Explorer 4.0). A
.cab file provided on-demand Web installation of minimal client components
where Internet Explorer 4.0 was not guaranteed to be installed on the client
workstation.
MDAC 2.
x further enhances the functionality available to developers. It
also is distributed primarily by stand-alone .exe files. Mdac_Typ.exe contains
the MDAC core along with OLE DB providers and ODBC drivers for various data
stores (see the download page for more details).
Mdac_Typ.exe is
available both on the Web and with the Data Access 2.x Software Development Kit
(SDK). The Web site is:
MDAC 2.
x is no longer distributed in CAB format for Web download. The size
of the minimum core MDAC components has increased, and the components depend on
upgraded system components that require a workstation reboot to install. Those
who wish to leverage the new features of MDAC 2.
x at the client workstation do need to distribute the MDAC
stand-alone package of their choice to the client workstation, either by
physical media or by a link from the page being accessed.
For additional information, please see the following World
Wide Web URL: