DBMSSQL

DBMSSQL is the legacy name of the Microsoft OLE DB provider for SQL Server. It appears in connection strings as the provider component for applications that use the OLE DB technology to access Microsoft SQL Server databases. The provider implements the OLE DB API, exposing SQL Server functionality to languages such as VB, C++, and C# through generic data access methods.

The provider was introduced in the mid‑1990s to support early versions of SQL Server, offering basic transaction control, schema discovery, and basic column data type mapping. It allowed developers to write platform‑agnostic database code without using vendor‑specific SQL dialects. In addition to OLE DB, DBMSSQL is sometimes referenced in legacy .NET configuration files as part of the System.Data.SqlClient provider chain for backward compatibility.

The DBMSSQL provider can be accessed via connection strings that include “Provider=DBMSSQL.Client” or “Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0” for older Jet engines. It supports features such as stored procedure execution, batch commands, and remote procedure calls.

Microsoft has since deprecated the DBMSSQL provider in favour of the newer Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server and the fully managed .NET Data Provider (System.Data.SqlClient). Modern applications typically use these providers for better performance, security, and full-feature support, while legacy code may still rely on DBMSSQL for compatibility.