It definitely helps me to understand about OpenDataSource. I'm working on a project to see how to create sample SQL databases (32bit/64bit SQL Server 2005/2008 including Express Edition) for a .NET application. I'm trying to figure out the following items:

1. How to create the databases?

e.g.

- using sql scripts

- backup/restore

- detach/attach

2. Where to store the sample data?

e.g.

- xml

- mdb

- text files

- csv

- backup

- detached files

3. How to import the data?

e.g.

BCP

BULK INSERT

Import/Export Wizard

SSIS

OPENROWSET

OPENDATASOURCE

OPENQUERY

SqlBulkCopy

Backup/Restore

Detach/Attach

What are the pros and cons (especially what datatype cannot be imported) in each option? What data source should I create (e.g. text file, XML, Access database(MDB), Excel file (CVS)) if portability is a must? Ideally, the data importing can be initialized from a .NET 3.0/3.5 application instead of thru SSMS or command prompt.