ODBC (Open Data Base Connectivity) is a specification that allows applications to interact with database servers using a common set of standards. Any database or other system that has a Microsoft 32-bit ODBC Desktop Driver, version 2.0 or above, can be queried and updated using RES-Reach. The drivers included in Microsoft NT Server 4.0, Service Pack 3 are recommended.

The advantages of using these types of client-server systems include the ability to centralize database processing on a specialized computer whose configuration is dedicated to query optimization, and the ability to use SQL extensions not supported by the other drivers. This includes passthrough queries, stored procedures, triggers, and defaults. It is also possible to take advantage of user-specific security by making RES-Reach connect to the database with a user ID and password provided by the user of the Web Browser.