PowerBuilder provides the following SQL Server database interfaces. These interfaces use different DLLs and access different versions of SQL Server.
The MSOLEDBSQL SQL Server interface allows you to connect to the Microsoft SQL Server (2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, or 2022) databases using the Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server. The Microsoft OLE DB Driver 18.x or 19.x must be installed on the client computer. Before installing the driver, check the supported OS version at: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/oledb/applications/support-policies-for-oledb-driver-for-sql-server?view=sql-server-ver15. You can download the driver from the Microsoft website at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/oledb/download-oledb-driver-for-sql-server?view=sql-server-ver15.
The SNC SQL Native Client interface allows you to connect to the Microsoft SQL Server (2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, or 2019) databases using the SQL Server Native Client. The SQL Server 2016 or later SQL Native Client software must be installed on the client computer.
PBODB initialization file not used
Connections made directly through OLE DB Provider use the PBODB initialization file to set some parameters, but connections made using the MSOLEDBSQL or SNC interface do not depend on the PBODB initialization file.
Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server vs. Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server
The Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server (MSOLEDBSQL) is the new generation of the OLE DB provider for SQL Server (SQLOLEDB); it is connected through the native database interface (MSOLEDBSQL SQL Server). The Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server (SQLOLEDB) is connected through the standard database interface (OLE DB); it is not maintained any more and it should not be used for new development.
