External Data Access is a complete solution that allows you to combine data from different sources into one report:
Ability to create reusable connections to external data sources
Security layer over external data access
32-bit and 64-bit connections
Client-side and server-side (reusable) connections
Additional data access drivers for performance and convenience
Seamless integration into existing Folders, Publishing, and Scheduling functionality
Ability to join within an External Data source
Ability to do a Table Lookup to External Data sources