>Talking about premises and conclusions...

>A There is no one single definition of what a data-engine is.

Did you see the google page? Multiple definitons.

>B Walter's argument is that ADO .NET does not qualify as a dataengine.

That is his argument as stated in his own words.

>C Looking at the various defintions - it is clear that ADO .NET fits squarely within those defintions.

Tell you what - you show me how ADO .NET does not fit within those defintions. Looking at the MS link - ADO .NET clearly fits within that defintion alone.