>If the UI does not touch the data-tier, how is the data passed back to the UI? Is it via a recordset object?

Kev,

It depends. It could be a string containing a single value or a large XML document. It could be an array. It could be a recordset. It really depends on how you want to transmit messages between tiers. My personal preference for most situations is XML because it is so easy to parse with the new tools that are available. But it would be foolish to generate an XML document when all you need is a single value or an indication that an operation passed or failed.

Use a method appropriate for the message being sent.

Regards