The document discusses ADO.NET and how it provides disconnected data access through the use of datasets, data adapters, and data providers. It covers the core ADO.NET objects like connection, command, data reader, and data adapter. It provides examples of loading data from databases into datasets using data adapters and binding datasets to controls for display and editing. The .NET framework supports multiple data providers for different database systems like SQL Server, Oracle, OLE DB, and ODBC.