The acquisition of this software component facilitates communication between applications and Microsoft SQL Server databases. Specifically, version 11.0 denotes a particular release of this client library, aligning with SQL Server 2012. It provides the necessary interface to connect to and interact with SQL Server instances, enabling data retrieval, manipulation, and other database operations. An example of its usage would be a .NET application needing to query data stored within a SQL Server 2012 database. This component would be required for the application to establish a connection and execute SQL commands.
The availability of this client library is crucial for ensuring compatibility and optimal performance when applications interact with SQL Server 2012 environments. Its proper installation and configuration are essential for seamless data exchange and reliable database connectivity. Historically, the need for such client components arose from the evolution of database technologies and the increasing complexity of application architectures requiring standardized methods for database access. The benefits of utilizing the correct version include avoiding connectivity issues, ensuring data integrity, and leveraging the specific features and improvements introduced in SQL Server 2012.