Esri GeoDatabase OLE DB Provider as data source in SQL Server

[RyanDavis1]

For some years now, I've noticed Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio has an option to import from an "Esri GeoDatabase OLE DB Provider."  However, trying to look up properties or clicking next pops up an error saying that "ClassFactory cannot supply requested class (Microsoft OLEDB Service Components)."

I know we should do import/export through ArcCatalog, but I am just curious as to why this option appears in MS SSMS or maybe how to take advantage of it.

What little discussion there is on StackOverflow or MS forums seems to indicate it's not native to SSMS and was probably added by ArcMap installation.

Thanks,

Ryan

[ErikLash1]

Just encountered this in Excel 2016 as an available OLE data source. Curious as to it's origination and usefulness and if we can use it to connect to file geodatabases.