The ADO.NET team recommends using third-party data providers to connect with Oracle databases. Himanshu Vasishth, program manager ADO.NET OracleClient wrote in a blog posting System.Data.OracleClient Update that OracleClient will be deprecated in .NET Framework 4.
This will have no impact to existing applications and your applications will continue to work as expected. Developing new applications which use OracleClient will be supported; however, warnings will be raised if the applications are compiled against .Net 4.0.
Third party providers are able to consistently provide the same level of quality and support that customers have come to expect from Microsoft. Among those who offer such providers are DataDirect Technologies and Devart (formerly known as Core Lab). In addition, Oracle's provider, called Oracle Data Provider for .NET (ODP.NET), is a popular and viable option.
Bruce D. Kyle ISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation
Hi Bruce,
I work with DataDirect Technologies, and we appreciate the mention as a potential 3rd party option! Per your note, you might consider Connect for ADO.NET from DataDirect Technologies. Connect for ADO.NET offers a client-less solution for .NET platforms –free from OracleClient or so called Instant Client. Go grab a copy of our install and check out what a true pedigree, 100% managed provider, can offer while supporting the latest .NET technologies such as the ADO.NET Entity Framework provider for Oracle –http://blogs.datadirect.com/category/net-connections
Thanks,
Mike
mnelson@crt-tanaka.com