dotConnect
dotConnect is a suite of ADO.NET data providers for .NET applications and websites that need direct access to databases and cloud services.
What dotConnect is
dotConnect is a suite of ADO.NET data providers for .NET applications and websites that need direct access to databases and cloud services. Database connections cover SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, DB2, InterBase, Microsoft Access, and Firebird; listed cloud services include Salesforce, Dynamics 365, and QuickBooks Online. Its providers support SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions, and connection pooling.
The suite includes a Visual Studio database explorer and integrates with Entity Developer for visual ORM modeling. The SQL Server provider also supports Visual Studio Code and JetBrains Rider, and lists Windows, Linux, and macOS support with .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET 5 through 10 compatibility. Secure connections can use SSL, SSH, or HTTPS tunneling. The free Express edition provides basic connectivity but is limited to .NET Framework. A free 30-day trial of the full product is available. Developer editions include SQL Server for $219.95, paid once, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Universal, and SQLite for $269.95, paid once each, and Oracle for $369.95, paid once. These are perpetual licenses with one year of support and upgrades included.
Good
- Connects to databases and listed cloud services
- Supports SQL commands, transactions, and connection pooling
- Includes a Visual Studio database explorer
- Offers a free 30-day full-product trial
Watch out
- Express edition is limited to .NET Framework
- Developer editions are paid perpetual licenses
Who it suits
dotConnect suits .NET developers who need database or cloud-service connectivity and ADO.NET tools. The free Express edition is limited to .NET Framework; the full product has a 30-day trial.
Verdict
dotConnect combines database connectivity with developer tools and multiple connection options. Check the Express edition’s framework limit and the listed developer-license terms when choosing an edition.
Plans and prices
From dotConnect's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| dotConnect Express | Free | Free edition · basic connectivity · .NET Framework only |
| Express | Free | basic connectivity · .NET Framework only |
| dotConnect for SQL Server — Developer | $219.95, paid once | Single license · for one developer · Perpetual license; one year of support and upgrades included |
| Professional Single | $219.95, paid once | Entity Framework · LinqConnect · visual model designer · NHibernate runtime · ASP.NET providers · SQL Server BIS · dbMonitor · DataSet tools · one time |
| dotConnect Universal Developer | $269.95, paid once | all ADO.NET classes · design-time extensions · wizards · bundled Oracle/MySQL/PostgreSQL/SQLite providers · .NET Core support |
| dotConnect Universal — Developer | $269.95, paid once | Single license · for one developer · Perpetual license; one year of support and upgrades included |
| dotConnect for MySQL — Developer | $269.95, paid once | Single license · for one developer · Perpetual license; one year of support and upgrades included |
| dotConnect for PostgreSQL — Developer | $269.95, paid once | Single license · for one developer · Perpetual license; one year of support and upgrades included |
| dotConnect for SQLite — Developer | $269.95, paid once | Single license · for one developer · Perpetual license; one year of support and upgrades included |
| dotConnect for Oracle — Developer | $369.95, paid once | Single license · for one developer · Perpetual license; one year of support and upgrades included |
| Professional Team | $539.95, paid once | Entity Framework · LinqConnect · visual model designer · NHibernate runtime · ASP.NET providers · SQL Server BIS · dbMonitor · DataSet tools · one time |
| Professional Site | $979.95, paid once | Entity Framework · LinqConnect · visual model designer · NHibernate runtime · ASP.NET providers · SQL Server BIS · dbMonitor · DataSet tools · one time |
The facts
Each one read from dotConnect's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- ADO.NET features
- The providers support SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions, and connection pooling.checked 11 Oct 2026
- ADO.NET support
- The providers implement SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions and connection pooling through ADO.NET.checked 15 Oct 2026
- API surface
- The documentation exposes public provider classes such as SqlConnection, SqlCommand, SqlDataReader, SqlDataAdapter, SqlTransaction and SqlParameter.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Cloud integrations
- The product page lists Adobe Commerce, BigCommerce, Dynamics 365, FreshBooks, Magento, Mailchimp, QuickBooks Online, Salesforce, SugarCRM and Zoho services as supported sources.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Database and cloud connections
- The suite lists connections for databases including DB2, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and SQLite, and services including Salesforce, Dynamics 365, and QuickBooks Online.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Database coverage
- The Universal provider lists SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, DB2, InterBase, Microsoft Access and Firebird connectivity.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Deployment licensing
- Applications built with dotConnect can redistribute the required runtime assemblies without licensing end users, subject to the EULA.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Developer tooling
- The SQL Server provider supports Visual Studio integration and NuGet-compatible IDEs including Visual Studio Code and JetBrains Rider.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- Devart provides guides, API references, tutorials, samples, HTML Help and Visual Studio-integrated documentation.checked 15 Oct 2026
- License model
- The EULA requires Devart activation keys and restricts commercial use of Express-created applications; the software is proprietary rather than open source.checked 15 Oct 2026
- License types
- Devart lists Single, Server, and OEM license types, with OEM licensing permitting deployment to third parties as part of a licensed application.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- The product page describes dotConnect licenses as perpetual with no renewal fees.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Limit: documentation
- Several reviewers say documentation is incomplete, dated for newer .NET frameworks or requires keeping examples open while developing.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: learning curve
- G2 reviewers mention that newcomers may need time to learn the product and that advanced use can have a steep learning curve.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: licensing friction
- Software Advice reviewers report occasional licensing warnings or upgrade-related activation problems during deployment.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: performance and interface
- One G2 Universal reviewer reports lag, slow operation and an outdated interface that could be simplified.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Offline processing
- A built-in local SQL engine can run queries over disconnected datasets.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Oracle client requirement
- Oracle Direct mode can connect without Oracle Client software, using TCP/IP.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Oracle security
- The Oracle provider documents TLS/SSL, SSH, encryption, integrity checks, proxy authentication and Windows FIPS 140-2 operation.checked 15 Oct 2026
The company
- Company
- Devart says it was founded in 1997 and develops data connectivity, integration, backup, and database management tools.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Company profile
- LinkedIn lists Devart as a privately held software-development company founded in 1997 with 201–500 employees and headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1997checked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Cross-platform targets
- The SQL Server provider lists Windows, Linux, and macOS support, with .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET 5 through 10 compatibility.checked 11 Oct 2026
Money
- Free edition limit
- The Express edition provides basic connectivity and is limited to .NET Framework according to the product FAQ.checked 11 Oct 2026
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