title: Using Hibernate via an ODBC connection
body: <p>I need to use Hibernate over an ODBC connection (not my decision) and would like to know the caveats of doing so (if it is even possible?).  I have done some research and am slightly confused, hoping someone can clarify some points.  It seems as if I'll need to use a JDBC-ODBC bridge?</p>
  
  <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JDBC_driver#Type_1_Driver_-_JDBC-ODBC_bridge" rel="nofollow">Wiki - JDBC/ODBC Bridge</a></p>
  
  <ol>
  <li><p>This page is filled with different JDBC "types" (1-4).  From what I can understand, the implementation specific details of the driver increase with the type version?  ie. a type 1 ODBC driver can not support the same functions that a type 4 driver can?  It seems like an ODBC driver can not go past 1, whereas a JDBC driver (can) get to 4?</p></li>
  <li><p>If the destination database has their own ODBC driver, what level of support is required to work?  Should I look through documentation to see if level 1, level N, etc. calls exist?</p></li>
  <li><p>Similar to the above question, how can I ensure that LOB fields are going to work / break?  Does a level or certain SQL functions need to be implemented in the ODBC driver? </p></li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>Unfortunately I am at a bit of a disconnect in understanding what is required from hibernate, as I can find no documentation as to what it needs.  An explanation and/or documentation would be great.</p>