The phrase refers to the acquisition of a specific data access technology developed by Microsoft, intended to facilitate communication between applications and SQL Server databases. It represents a downloadable software component enabling programs to interact with SQL Server versions prior to 2016. As an example, a developer seeking to connect a legacy application written in Visual Basic 6.0 to a SQL Server 2012 database would likely require this client component.
The client component offered enhanced performance and security compared to its predecessors. Its historical significance lies in bridging the gap between older application architectures and newer database technologies, allowing organizations to extend the lifespan of valuable software assets. Furthermore, it allowed developers to take advantage of advanced SQL Server features from a wider range of development environments.