Freedom251 › Database Client Software
dotConnect
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. Its 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. The providers support SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions, and connection pooling. Visual Studio users get a database explorer and integration with Entity Developer for visual ORM modeling. The SQL Server provider also integrates with Visual Studio and NuGet-compatible IDEs such as Visual Studio Code and JetBrains Rider. It lists Windows, Linux, and macOS support, plus compatibility with .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET 5 through 10. Secure connections can use SSL, SSH, and HTTPS tunneling. The free Express edition provides basic connectivity and is limited to .NET Framework. A free 30-day trial of the full product is available; the SQL Server feature page describes it as unrestricted and says no card is required. Developer licenses are perpetual, with one year of support and upgrades included. Developer plans range from $219.95, paid once to $369.95, paid once, depending on the provider.
Who it suits
dotConnect suits .NET developers building applications or websites that connect to databases and cloud services. It is also relevant to teams that use Visual Studio tools, need SQL Server support across Windows, Linux, or macOS, or want a perpetual developer license.
What it does well
- Connects to nine listed database systems and three cloud services.
- Supports SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions, and connection pooling.
- Visual Studio database explorer and Entity Developer integration are included.
- SQL Server provider supports Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Supports secure connections using SSL, SSH, and HTTPS tunneling.
- Perpetual developer licenses include one year of support and upgrades.
What to know first
- Free Express edition is limited to basic connectivity and .NET Framework.
- Paid developer plans start at $219.95, paid once.
- Developer license is for one developer.
Limits
The free Express edition provides basic connectivity and is limited to .NET Framework. Paid developer plans start at $219.95, paid once; the listed Developer license is for one developer and includes one year of support and upgrades.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| dotConnect Express | Free edition · basic connectivity · .NET Framework only | Free |
| Express | basic connectivity · .NET Framework only | Free |
| Professional Single | one time · Entity Framework · LinqConnect · visual model designer · NHibernate runtime · ASP.NET providers · SQL Server BIS · dbMonitor · DataSet tools | $219.95, paid once |
| dotConnect for SQL Server — Developer | Perpetual license; one year of support and upgrades included · Single license · for one developer | $219.95, paid once |
| dotConnect Universal Developer | all ADO.NET classes · design-time extensions · wizards · bundled Oracle/MySQL/PostgreSQL/SQLite providers · .NET Core support | $269.95, paid once |
| dotConnect Universal — Developer | Perpetual license; one year of support and upgrades included · Single license · for one developer | $269.95, paid once |
| dotConnect for PostgreSQL — Developer | Perpetual license; one year of support and upgrades included · Single license · for one developer | $269.95, paid once |
| dotConnect for SQLite — Developer | Perpetual license; one year of support and upgrades included · Single license · for one developer | $269.95, paid once |
The first 8 of 12 plans, as devart.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word. Every plan
Getting started
- Visit https://www.devart.com/dotconnect/ and choose a provider or the Express edition.
- Use the free 30-day trial to access the full product; the SQL Server trial requires no card.
- Install the provider for your database or cloud service.
- Connect from your .NET application or website.
- Choose a Single, Server, or OEM license if you need a paid license.
Verdict
Choose dotConnect if your .NET application needs direct database or cloud connections alongside ADO.NET features and Visual Studio tooling. The free Express edition is limited to basic connectivity on .NET Framework, while paid developer plans start at $219.95, paid once.
Questions
Does dotConnect have a free version and a trial?
Yes. The Express edition is free, and a free 30-day trial of the full product is available. The SQL Server feature page says its trial has no limits and requires no card.
How much do the developer plans cost?
The SQL Server Developer plan costs $219.95, paid once. Listed MySQL, PostgreSQL, Universal, and SQLite plans cost $269.95, paid once, and the Oracle plan costs $369.95, paid once.
Which databases and cloud services does dotConnect support?
Listed databases include SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, DB2, InterBase, Microsoft Access, and Firebird. Listed cloud services include Salesforce, Dynamics 365, and QuickBooks Online.
Which platforms does dotConnect support?
The SQL Server provider lists Windows, Linux, and macOS support. It also lists compatibility with .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET 5 through 10.
What does the free Express edition include?
It provides basic connectivity and is limited to .NET Framework.
What license types are available?
Devart lists Single, Server, and OEM license types. OEM licensing permits deployment to third parties as part of a licensed application.
Facts from dotConnect's own pages
- ADO.NET features
- The providers support SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions, and connection pooling. · devart.com, 11 Oct 2026
- ADO.NET support
- The providers implement SQL commands, stored procedures, transactions and connection pooling through ADO.NET. · devart.com, 15 Oct 2026
- API surface
- The documentation exposes public provider classes such as SqlConnection, SqlCommand, SqlDataReader, SqlDataAdapter, SqlTransaction and SqlParameter. · docs.devart.com, 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, 15 Oct 2026
- Company
- Devart says it was founded in 1997 and develops data connectivity, integration, backup, and database management tools. · devart.com, 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, 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, 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, 11 Oct 2026
- Database coverage
- The Universal provider lists SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, DB2, InterBase, Microsoft Access and Firebird connectivity. · devart.com, 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, 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, 11 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- Devart provides guides, API references, tutorials, samples, HTML Help and Visual Studio-integrated documentation. · devart.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1997 · devart.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Free edition limit
- The Express edition provides basic connectivity and is limited to .NET Framework according to the product FAQ. · devart.com, 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, 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, 11 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- The product page describes dotConnect licenses as perpetual with no renewal fees. · devart.com, 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, 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, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: licensing friction
- Software Advice reviewers report occasional licensing warnings or upgrade-related activation problems during deployment. · softwareadvice.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: performance and interface
- One G2 Universal reviewer reports lag, slow operation and an outdated interface that could be simplified. · g2.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Offline processing
- A built-in local SQL engine can run queries over disconnected datasets. · devart.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Oracle client requirement
- Oracle Direct mode can connect without Oracle Client software, using TCP/IP. · docs.devart.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Oracle security
- The Oracle provider documents TLS/SSL, SSH, encryption, integrity checks, proxy authentication and Windows FIPS 140-2 operation. · docs.devart.com, 15 Oct 2026
Where dotConnect stands on Freedom251
- Database Client Software#10 of 53