Take a look at some native third-party ADO components that will help you access databases with Delphi without the BDE. ADO is Microsoft's data access layer for relational databases, spreadsheets, email, documents, graphics and the Internet.
The Delphi ADOExpress/dbGO (D5/D6) components encapsulate the functionality of ADO objects and make them available in Delphi
Components for accessing, displaying and manipulating data in MS SQL Server, MS Access and other data sources through ADO. Includes RDS (Remote Data Service), ADOR, MIDAS and MTS support for multitier applications. Adonis compiles in to your EXE. With Adonis and Delphi you can access almost any form of data through a rapidly increasing range of OLEDB data providers.
A Delphi component library, that provide high-speed performance when working with any OLE DB provider or ODBC data source. Currently OLE DB providers exist for SQL Server, Oracle, Access, ODBC, Active Directory Services and the Index Server. Key features: High speed - fast, native access to data without BDE, Compatibility with standard Delphi data-aware components and Full access to ADO.
GM-Components is a set of data access components for ADO and DAO, plus some database controls and other controls. These components compiles into your EXE. This package includes enhanced versions of many of the standard Data Control. For example, DB-Memo, DB-Image, and DB-Mediaplayer recognize drag-and-dropped Files.
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TBetterADODataSet is a direct descendent of Borland's TADODataSet which means that if and when Borland releases a new patch and/or version of their ADOExpress and/or DbGo library it won't break any existing code written to use this descendant. Farther more, it will transparently inherit any bug-fixes and new features that Borland may have released.
TDataSet descendant, and support all data-aware components; You can access all type of datasource supported by MS-ODBC and MS-ADO; No distributing, installing and configuring the BDE and ODBC; You can use any Delphi version to develop Client/Server applications; The TDADODataSet enhanced some extra features, so you can provide extra comfort for the user easily.