What is microsoft ole db driver for sql server?

[Wscorapprom]

Hi, I came across microsoft ole db driver for sql server and want to know its purpose. Is it required for database connections? Looking for a simple explanation.

 

[rossgaller]

Microsoft OLE DB Driver to SQL server is a data access object that enables the applications to connect to the Microsoft SQL Server databases with the aid of OLE DB technology. It allows transferring data safely and also with high performance and also supports current features such as encryption, authentication and compatibility with new versions of SQL servers