Performs processing and calls ODBC functions to submit SQL statements and retrieve results.

Loads drivers when requested by an application. Included with Microsoft Windows.

Software that processes the ODBC function calls, submits the SQL requests to a specific data source, and returns results to the application. If needed, the driver changes an application's request so that it conforms to the syntax supported by the associated database.

The data the user wants to access and its associated operating system, DBMS, and the network platform (if any) used to access the DBMS.