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These FAQs are about the SharePoint Business Data List Connector (BDLC) product only. For any questions please use the FAQ Web Form or contact sales@layer2.de directly.
You will find a version history with new feature and fixed issues list here.

FAQs

Why we made it?

The fast, easy and complete integration of external data, eg from databases is a common requirement in the use of Microsoft SharePoint technology. Existing solutions, such as the Business Data Catalogue (BDC), are often too complex at the facility.

BDLC Version History - New Features & Solved Issues

This FAQ is about the SharePoint Business Data List Connector (BDLC) product version history. For any questions please use the FAQ Web Form or contact sales@layer2.de directly.

How to create a valid OLEDB connection string in SharePoint to connect my custom list to my external data source?

To connect a SharePoint List directly with an external data source, please use the SharePoint Business Data List Connector (BDLC). This FAQ is about how to create a valid OLEDB connection string to the external data source in SharePoint.

How to create a valid select statement in SharePoint for SQL Server as external list data source?

To connect a SharePoint list with a SQL Server table or view using the SharePoint Business Data List Connector (BDLC) you have to add a valid select statement. Some samples are given here.

How my external data source fields are mapped to my SharePoint list columns?

If a SharePoint List is connected directly with an external data source using the SharePoint Business Data List Connector (BDLC) the BDLC automatically creates the required list columns. But what about field types?

How to create a valid OLEDB select statement in SharePoint to connect Excel as external data source?

You can use the SharePoint Business Data List Connector (BDLC) to connect Excel as your external data source to a SharePoint list. This FAQ is about how to create a valid selection statement for this.

How to manage background update settings?

In the BDLC list settings dialog you can enable or disable background updates only. There are no further settings about timer interval, next run etc. But how to manage these settings?

Feature comparision: SharePoint 2010 External List vs. SharePoint BDLC List

The SharePoint 2010 external list via BCS is a great step forward with data integration. But it's not a REAL SharePoint list. And that's why it hasn't ALL list features - as the BDLC list has.

How to update SharePoint BDLC lists on demand per URL or on page load?

With SharePoint BDLC V1.6 you can update BDLC lists on demand per URL or on page load.

How to remove unused columns in the SharePoint BDLC list

You can simply remove unused columns in your SharePoint BDLC list by deleting it. Missed columns are skipped during updates without causing any problems. Warning: You should not remove columns that host primary keys.

How to connect to a SharePoint list using an OLE DB connection string?

The BDLC can be used to pull data from other SharePoint lists for any reason.

Can I add additional columns / fields to my BDLC list to edit it?

Yes, you can add additional fields after list creation without any restrictions.

How to connect a custom SharePoint list with external Microsoft Exchange data using the BDLC

SharePoint out-of-the-box can sync some data in Microsoft Exchange to same lists in SharePoint. Connecting a custom SharePoint list to Exchange or Outlook with the BDLC to pull data into this list is a more general approach.

How to connect a custom SharePoint list directly with an Oracle database table as external LOB data source?

You can connect a custom SharePoint list directly with external data from Oracle database tables or views using the Business Data List Connector (BDLC).

How to pull external data in a SharePoint Person / Group list column with BDLC?

You have to pull the user's / group's ID from the User Information List in the current SharePoint Site Collection into the user / group picker field to reference to a certain user or group.

How SharePoint BDLC can be used with Integrated Security / Trusted Connection?

About using SharePoint BDLC with NTLM Authentication, Basic Authentication, Kerberos and Trust computer for delegation privilege in Active Directory (AD) or explicit credentials.

How to set some or all SharePoint BDLC list columns / fields read-only?

Using a BDLC list you can add collaboration content to LOB data for example. To prevent users from editing content, that come from the external data source, some or all SharePoint list columns / fields can be set read-only.

How to connect Sharepoint lists directly to Active Directory data to access users or devices?

You can connect a custom SharePoint list (no Web part) directly with external data from Active Directory, e.g. users or devices, using the SharePoint Business Data List Connector (BDLC).

The 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine

To connect Microsoft Office 2010 data directly to SharePoint 2007 / WSS 3.0 lists, without Office installed on the server, you have to install the Office 2010 System Driver - Data Connectivity Components.

How to fill SharePoint link columns with external data using the SharePoint BDLC?

You can fill SharePoint link columns from external data using the BDLC without any problems, if you follow these steps.

How to connect Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision 4) tables or queries directly to SharePoint lists?

How to configure BDLC to link a SharePoint MOSS/WSS list to a Microsoft Dynamics NAV 4.0 (Navision) non SQL Server table or query via C/ODBC directly in the list settings dialog without any programming or tools.

What's new with SharePoint BDLC Version 3.0 (released 17 May 2010)

BDLC V3.0 finally comes with optional write-back to external data source features. CRUD (Create, Update, Delete) is fully supported for the external data source, if SharePoint list items are created, updated or deleted.

How to connect SharePoint lists directly to SAP data?

You can use Xtract Universal as a driver, to connect any native SharePoint 2007 / 2010 list directly to SAP data via Business Data List Connector for SharePoint.

How to connect a SharePoint list directly to IBM Informix Database data without any Programming

First you have to install the appropiate .NET based provider (driver) on application server and web frontend server. Please take care about 32/64-bit: The driver should be the same as your SharePoint currently runs.

How to connect Exchange Server to SharePoint lists, e.g. contacts, tasks, events, messages?

You can connect any SharePoint list directly with Microsoft Exchange Server data, e.g. contacts, tasks, events, inbox and other folders using the BDLC and a simple middleware driver.

How to connect LOB text file data sources to native SharePoint lists via ODBC and BDLC

You have to create your ODBC data source and access it as SharePoint list via BDLC. Here is a step-by-step sample.

How to connect a native SharePoint list to AS400 table data?

You can connect a native SharePoint list (no Web Part / BDC / BCS) directly with external data from AS400 database tables. Information how it works is found here.

How to create a SharePoint-to-SharePoint list connection with BDLC?

​You can connect a SharePoint list with another SharePoint list (at the same or at another installation) to pull the data and keep up-to-date with background update.

How to build a SharePoint phone book using Active Directory in 10 minutes?

How to connect native SharePoint lists via OLEDB directly to Active Directory to create a phone book application with search within 10 minutes.

How to full CRUD (Create/Update/Delete) SQL tables using SharePoint default forms?

The Business Data List Connector allows data replication between SQL tables and SharePoint lists both directions with full CRUD (create, update, delete) support. GUIDs can be used as primary keys for that.

What's new with SharePoint BDLC Version 2.0 (released on 2010-04-16)

With BDLC 2.0 you can connect any existing SharePoint list to external data, e.g. contacts, tasks etc.

What's new with SharePoint BDLC Version 1.6

BDLC V1.6 comes with greatly improved field / column mapping features.

What's new with SharePoint BDLC version 1.5

SharePoint BDLC 1.5 comes with highly improved support for much more external data sources.

BDLC - Known issues & workarounds with V1.02 (outdated)

There are some known issues and workarounds with the BDLC version 1.02.

       "The Layer2 Business Data List Connector for SharePoint was extremely easy to install. Even with our very limited SharePoint experience we were able to configure and use it without much trouble. We highly recommend it."

News

European SharePoint Component Vendor Layer2 announces Technology Partnership with Nintex

Strategic technology alliance formed by Layer2 and Nintex enables seamless integration of any external Line-Of-Business Data into SharePoint workflow and lists without code.

SharePoint Codeless Bi-Directional List Connectivity Powered by Enterprise Enabler and Business Data List Connector

Stone Bond Technologies, provider of the world’s only codeless connectivity software and eco-system, today announced a strategic alliance with Layer2 a leading publisher of SharePoint Web Parts and solutions.
Related Contacts

Frank Daske, Business Development Manager

Frank Daske, Business Development Manager +49 (0) 40 28 41 12 - 30 sales@layer2.de (Please note that the 011 exit code must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA , Canada and Australia.)

Related Downloads

pdf Image2009-11-01: Layer2 Press Release

SharePoint – New Business Data List Connector for External Lists in MOSS 2007 and WSS 3.0
Layer2, the SharePoint Experts from Hamburg (Germany) announced a new Microsoft SharePoint extension to unlock the value of enterprise data for SharePoint 2007 based portals. The Business Data List Connector (BDLC) for SharePoint directly connects SharePoint lists with external LOB data sources. Almost any data from databases, Office or even text data can be displayed in SharePoint lists without any programming. Workflows can be used to start business actions in SharePoint, if external data records are changed.

xml ImageBusiness Data List Connector PAD File

This XML-based PAD file offers a product description for resellers to download and publish.

pdf ImageFlyer: Layer2 Partner Program

Partner with us as a software reseller or SharePoint service provider. There is a free partner program with up to 30% discount. Download as PDF.

pdf ImageHow to connect ANY external data source directly to SharePoint lists?

From SQL Server or Oracle tables and Excel files to web services, .NET objects, COM+ objects and ANY other data sources - connect it simply to any existing SharePoint 2007 / 2010 lists now.

pdf ImageProduktflyer: Business Data List Connector for SharePoint

Productflyer (PDF) in English for download.

pdf ImageTestimonial: How the US Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) integrates SharePoint with Oracle using BDLC

"Layer2 Business Data List Connector (BDLC) software provides a powerful mechanism for surfacing external data through lists, and drastically improves platform stability and development cycles."

Related Links

Are you looking for Layer2 product resellers and implementation partners?

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BDLC works with NINTEX Workflow 2010 for SharePoint

Start NINTEX Workflows while external data changes.

Did you know? You can connect SharePoint lists directly to almost any external data source with BDLC to have a "SharePoint External List" today.

You can connect SharePoint lists directly to databases, such as:

  • SQL Server 2008
  • SQL Server 2005
  • SQL Server 2000 / 7.0
  • Oracle
  • IBM DB2
  • MySQL
  • Sybase Advantage Database Server
  • Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise
  • Informix
  • Postgre SQL
  • IBM UniData
  • IBM UniVerse
  • AS/400 (IMB iSeries)
  • Progress
  • FireBird
  • Interbase
  • Paradox
  • Ingres
  • Mimer SQL
  • Lightbase
  • Pervasive
  • SQLBase  (Gupta/Unify)
  • Cache
  • Teradata
  • VistaDB
  • DBMaker
  • Netezza DBMS
  • Valentina

and more. You can pull data to SharePoint lists directly from data files, e.g.

  • Microsoft Office Excel 2007
  • Microsoft Office Excel (other versions)
  • Microsoft Office Access 2007
  • Microsoft Office Access (other versions)
  • Visual Foxpro
  • DBF / Foxpro
  • SQLite
  • Filemaker
  • Textfiles (csv)  with delimited columns or fixed length columns
  • HTML-tables

and more. You can also link SharePoint lists directly to server and services, e.g.

  • OLAP, Analysis Services -  to provide Business Intelligence data in a real SharePoint list for further processing
  • Microsoft SharePoint - to pull list data from another SharePoint site collection or installation
  • Microsoft Project - to access project management data via a SharePoint list
  • Active Directory - to provide user or device data in a custom SharePoint list
  • Microsoft Exchange - to access contacts, events, tasks or other Exchange data
  • Microsoft Index Server - to access Index Server queries via a custom SharePoint list
  • IBM Lotus Notes - to connect a custom SharePoint list to Notes data
  • Intuit Quickbase - to access online application data
    Composit Information Server - a Java-based application server
  • ODBC DSN - to connect further data sources via ODBC Data Source Names
  • UDL - to connect SharePoint lists via the Universal Data Link protocol with external data sources

You can use Enterprise Enabler for SharePoint BDLC to additionally connect SharePoint lists directly to

  • Web Services
  • XML
  • EDI
  • HL7
  • Virtual Store
  • Microsoft .Net Objects
  • COM+ Objects
  • MS Dynamics CRM
  • MS Dynamics AX
  • SAP
  • Salesforce
  • Journyx
  • Quickbooks
  • PeachTree
  • and other

Enterprise Enabler for SharePoint BDLC additionally automates complex bi-directional aggregation, transformation and manipulation of entities among multiple Line Of Business applications.

How to integrate Microsoft CRM into SharePoint 2007/2010 lists in just 15 minutes?

The video shows step-by-step, how MS-CRM / SharePoint data integration can be done in just minutes with BDLC and Enterprise Enabler. 

SharePoint BDLC reviewed and rated 5 stars on SharePointReviews.com

"Uncountable possibilities to work with these lists further on ... just like an ordinary SPList (so, it IS an ordinary SPList)"
Reviewed by Brazzuk

You have certain questions about the Layer2 Business Data List Connector for SharePoint? In our FAQs you'll find the answer.   

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