Get started with the BizTalk adapter for SQL
This section provides an overview of the adapter, prerequisites, and topics for users who are new to Microsoft BizTalk Adapter Pack. It discusses the features of Microsoft BizTalk Adapter for SQL Server and the different operations that can be performed on the SQL Server database by using the adapter.
What is an adapter? An adapter is a software component that enables you to send and receive messages to and from a line-of-business (LOB) system. The primary design goal of an adapter is to facilitate the exchange of business documents between trading partners. Because each business system may adhere to specific document formats and protocols, the adapter must use a delivery mechanism that conforms to commonly recognized standards and protocols to provide a uniform interface to the users.
The adapters in the BizTalk Adapter Pack can be divided into two broad categories:
LOB adapters. Such adapters provide service-oriented programming model to access LOB systems—for example, adapters for SAP or Siebel.
Data adapters. Such adapters provide service-oriented programming model to access databases—for example, adapters for the Oracle database or SQL Server.
There are five adapters in the BizTalk Adapter Pack:
Microsoft BizTalk Adapter for SQL Server (SQL adapter).
Note
The SQL adapter is also available outside the BizTalk Adapter Pack as a separate adapter.
Microsoft BizTalk Adapter for Oracle E-Business Suite (Oracle E-Business adapter).
Microsoft BizTalk Adapter for Oracle Database (Oracle Database adapter).
Microsoft BizTalk Adapter for mySAP Business Suite (SAP adapter).
Microsoft BizTalk Adapter for Siebel eBusiness Applications (Siebel adapter).
Note
The Siebel adapter is not available for 64-bit platforms.
If you do not already know how you want to use the SQL adapter at your company, it is recommended that you start by exploring the features and functionality of the adapter described in Understand BizTalk Adapter for SQL Server.