What is ADO.NET

ADO.NET is the new database technology of the .NET (Dot Net) platform, and it builds on Microsoft ActiveX� Data Objects (ADO).
ADO is a language-neutral object model that is the keystone of Microsoft's Universal Data Access strategy. ADO.NET is an integral part of the .NET Compact Framework, providing access to relational data, XML documents, and application data. ADO.NET supports a variety of development needs. You can create database-client applications and middle-tier business objects used by applications, tools, languages or Internet browsers
ADO.NET is a set of computer software components that programmers can use to access data and data services. It is a part of the base class library that is included with the Microsoft .NET Framework
It is commonly used by programmers to access and modify data stored in relational database systems, though it can also access data in non-relational sources.
 ADO.NET is sometimes considered an evolution of ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) technology, but was changed so extensively that it can be considered an entirely new product.