The fast, easy and complete integration of external LOB data, e.g. from databases, is a common requirement in the use of Microsoft SharePoint technology. Existing solutions, such as the Business Data Catalog (BDC) in SharePoint 2007 or the Business Connectivity Services (BCS) in SharePoint 2010, are often too complex at the facility, bring with them limitations or they are are available for MOSS (Enterprise Edition) only.

The SharePoint Business Data List Connector by Layer2 on the other hand, connects a REAL SharePoint list (no Web Parts) to almost any external business data, using a very simple list settings dialogue. It can be configured easily, with 3 simple settings only:

1. Enter connection string
2. Enter select statement
3. Enter primary keys (if there are any)

Then the required list structure is created automatically and modified external data is updated very fast in background.

The desired data can be presented without any restrictions, with the full read-only functionality of common SharePoint lists made available: views, sorting and grouping, filters, calculated fields etc. can be created as usual.

Workflows and notifications per RSS or email can be used, to take business actions directly in SharePoint, if external business data records are changed.

The SharePoint Business Data List Connector (BDLC) is available for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS, all editions) and also for the free Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 (WSS). It will be released for Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 and Windows SharePoint Servicves 4.0 with availability.