Written by acknowledged experts, software legends, and bestselling authors, with complete cooperation from Microsoft, this handbook contains the most complete and practical information available anywhere on the next version of ADO.NET.

"A highly readable and comprehensive reference to data access capabilities of the .NET Framework. Suitable for the newcomer and 'guru' alike."
"--Arpan Desai, program manager, System.Xml, Webdata XML Team, Microsoft Corporation""This book goes beyond the typical API reference and goes in detail into why you would use each new feature, what scenarios they were designed for, and how things work from end to end. Great way of getting started with data access in .NET 2.0."
"--Pablo Castro, program manager, ADO.NET Team, Microsoft Corporation""An insightful look at the XML features in version 2.0 of the .NET Framework v. 2.0 by one of the minds behind many of the innovations in the System.Xml namespace. Even though I was one of the Program Managers who worked on version 2.0 of System.Xml, Mark Fussell's chapters still taught me a few things I didn't know about working with XML in the .NET Framework. Truly an excellent work."
"--Dare Obasanjo, program manager, Communication Services Platform, Microsoft Corporation"

ADO.NET 2.0 delivers dramatic improvements in relational data access and XML support, as well as outstanding integration with SQL Server 2005. Now's the time to get a running start with "ADO.NET and System.Xml v. 2.0--The Beta Version, " the one book that delivers all the insights, best practices, and sample code you'll need.

Two renowned .NET and XML experts, along with a lead program manager at Microsoft, reveal everything that's new in ADO.NET and System.Xml--including major changes since 2004's "Technology Preview." Using realistic code examples, the authors illuminate improvements to data access and management, the DataSet class, security, schema discovery, and much more. You'll discover how SQL Server 2005's in-process CLR hosting will help you build faster, more robust applications--and how to make the most of advances in XML performance, schema support, usability, querying, and serialization. Topics include Doing more with less code: asynchronous command execution, promotable transactions, batched update, bulk data copy, and other SqlClient class enhancements Leveraging ADO.NET improvements that work with any database platform, including provider factories and the Database Schema Discovery APIUsing the enhanced features of the DataSet class to increase flexibility, simplify coding, and improve erformance Integrating with SQL Server 2005, via Multiple Active Result Sets, query notifications, and user-defined typesUtilizing SQL Server 2005 as an XML database: using, accessing, and updating the XML data type Mastering System.Xml v. 2.0 classes for reading/writing XML, document editing, validation, transformations, security, and more Discovering new techniques for customizing XML serialization and working with XML document storesMaximizing application and service performance with insider tips and tricks from ADO.NET's creators

Already assessing ADO.NET and System.Xml v. 2.0? Piloting them? Building production applications? Wherever you stand, wherever you're headed with these technologies, this book will get you there.

Focusing on ADO.NET and System.Xml, this work illuminates improvements to data access and management, the Data Set class, security, schema discovery, and more. It helps you discover how SQL Server 2005's in-process CLR hosting helps you build faster, more robust applications.