Definition: This is a template model introduced by Microsoft to simplify developer customization in applications. First introduced in ASP.NET 1.1, it is used in the Microsoft Synchronization Framework, ASP.NET, OleDB.NET, Cryptopgraphic services, LINQ and other Microsoft Frameworks and toolkits.
In ASP.NET there are several providers- (Membership Providers, Role Providers, Site Map Providers, Session State Providers, Profile Providers, Web Event Providers, Web Parts Personalization Providers, Custom Provider-Based Services and Hands-on Custom Providers. The provider used for user profiles to specify the data held for each user.
