Microsoft® SharePoint® Designer 2010 Unleashed

Business Processes and Data Validation

Before we start working with external content sources we need to be very careful to ensure the integrity of the data we are posting. For instance, when working with SharePoint you should never directly interact with the databases, which extends to querying or writing data. Rather, you achieve database interaction via the SharePoint API. The same rule applies for many other applications, including BCS. Although BCS is very powerful and easily configured using SharePoint Designer, if not used correctly you might place your external systems into a state of disrepair.

You should build ECTs using the same methodology as any other development. Where possible, always create and test your External Lists using a ...