The ADO.NET Entity Framework is an object-relational mapping (ORM) framework for the .NET Framework. Developers can use it to create data access applications by programming against a conceptual application model instead of programming directly against a relational storage schema. This model allows developers to decrease the amount of code that must be written and maintained in data-centric applications.
DataDirect Connect for ADO.NET Entity Framework data providers can be used with applications that use the standard ADO.NET features or with the ADO.NET Entity Framework.