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dotConnect
What it is
dotConnect is Devart’s suite of ADO.NET data providers for .NET applications and websites that need direct access to databases and cloud services. It lists connections for SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, DB2, InterBase, Microsoft Access, Firebird, Salesforce, Dynamics 365, and QuickBooks Online. Providers support SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions, and connection pooling. A Visual Studio database explorer and Entity Developer integration support visual ORM modeling, while the SQL Server provider also works with Visual Studio Code and JetBrains Rider. SQL Server support lists Windows, Linux, and macOS targets with .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET 5 through 10 compatibility. Secure connections can use SSL, SSH, or HTTPS tunneling. The Express edition is free but limited to basic connectivity and .NET Framework. The full product has a 30-day trial, and paid perpetual developer licenses start at $219.95 per once.
For and against
For
- Supports many named databases and cloud services
- Includes SQL commands and stored procedures
- Visual Studio explorer and ORM modeling integration
- SSL, SSH, and HTTPS tunneling support
- 30-day full-product trial without stated card requirement
Against
- Free Express edition is limited to .NET Framework
- Paid developer licenses start at $219.95 per once
- Different database providers have separate license prices
The verdict
dotConnect combines broad database connectivity with ADO.NET features and developer tooling. Check the Express limitations and provider-specific perpetual license prices before choosing an edition.
Who it suits
dotConnect suits .NET developers connecting applications to multiple databases or cloud services. It also fits teams using Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, or JetBrains Rider.
Plans and prices
Express
basic connectivity · .NET Framework only
Read 15 Oct 2026 · devart.com
Professional Single
Entity Framework · LinqConnect · visual model designer · NHibernate runtime
Read 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
dotConnect Universal Developer
all ADO.NET classes · design-time extensions · wizards · bundled Oracle/MySQL/PostgreSQL/SQLite providers
Read 15 Oct 2026 · devart.com
Professional Team
Entity Framework · LinqConnect · visual model designer · NHibernate runtime
Read 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Professional Site
Entity Framework · LinqConnect · visual model designer · NHibernate runtime
Read 15 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
dotConnect Express
Free edition · basic connectivity · .NET Framework only
Read 11 Oct 2026 · devart.com
dotConnect for SQL Server — Developer
Single license · for one developer
Read 11 Oct 2026 · devart.com
dotConnect Universal — Developer
Single license · for one developer
Read 11 Oct 2026 · devart.com
dotConnect for SQLite — Developer
Single license · for one developer
Read 11 Oct 2026 · devart.com
On the record
- ADO.NET features
- The providers support SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions, and connection pooling.devart.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- ADO.NET support
- The providers implement SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions and connection pooling through ADO.NET.devart.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- API surface
- The documentation exposes public provider classes such as SqlConnection, SqlCommand, SqlDataReader, SqlDataAdapter, SqlTransaction and SqlParameter.docs.devart.com · read 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.devart.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company
- Devart says it was founded in 1997 and develops data connectivity, integration, backup, and database management tools.devart.com · read 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.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Cross-platform targets
- The SQL Server provider lists Windows, Linux, and macOS support, with .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET 5 through 10 compatibility.devart.com · read 11 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.devart.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Database coverage
- The Universal provider lists SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, DB2, InterBase, Microsoft Access and Firebird connectivity.devart.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Deployment licensing
- Applications built with dotConnect can redistribute the required runtime assemblies without licensing end users, subject to the EULA.support.devart.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Developer tooling
- The SQL Server provider supports Visual Studio integration and NuGet-compatible IDEs including Visual Studio Code and JetBrains Rider.devart.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- Devart provides guides, API references, tutorials, samples, HTML Help and Visual Studio-integrated documentation.devart.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Free edition limit
- The Express edition provides basic connectivity and is limited to .NET Framework according to the product FAQ.devart.com · read 11 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.devart.com · read 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.devart.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- The product page describes dotConnect licenses as perpetual with no renewal fees.devart.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Limit: documentation
- Several reviewers say documentation is incomplete, dated for newer .NET frameworks or requires keeping examples open while developing.softwareadvice.com · read 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.g2.com · read 15 Oct 2026
