I've worked with Hibernate before and it was great for something small, but found it hard to work with for large object graphs. Also, you really had to design your database a certain way in order for it to work. I've implemented a DAL based on this design http://www.c-sharpcorner.com/UploadFile/rmcochran/elegant_dal05212006130957PM/elegant_dal.aspx[^] and am really happy with it. Code is easy, the repetitive busy work is done for you, and you have full control.