In OLE DB terminology, what characterizes a service provider component (as opposed to a tabular data provider)? Choose the most complete description.

Introduction / Context:
OLE DB distinguishes between providers that own data (tabular data providers) and components that provide services such as shaping, caching, or query processing over other providers. These service providers enhance functionality without being the authoritative source of the data.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Service providers participate in the provider/consumer pipeline.
• They often consume data from one provider and re-expose it to consumers.
• They typically do not persist data themselves.

Concept / Approach:
An OLE DB service provider can act as both consumer (of upstream data) and provider (exposing transformed data), often providing value-added capabilities like rowset shaping or caching. Because it does not own data, it relies on upstream tabular providers and exposes results through the same OLE DB interfaces for downstream consumers.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Microsoft documentation describes service providers precisely in these terms (for example, the OLE DB Remoting Provider, OLE DB Cursor Engine).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Each single-clause option (a, b, or c) is incomplete on its own.
• Option e describes a tabular data provider rather than a service provider.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all providers own data. In OLE DB, some providers own data, others provide services that augment data access.

Final Answer:
All of the above accurately describe an OLE DB service provider.