•Provides object-to-relational mapping within the .NET Framework for Microsoft SQL Server databases
•Access relational data as strongly typed objects using LINQ query expressions
•Language integrated data access
–Tables and rows to classes and objects
–Builds on ADO.NET and .NET Transactions
•Mapping
–Encoded in attributes or external XML file
–Relationships map through properties
•Persistence
–Automatic change tracking
–Updates through SQL or stored procedures