About JDBC-ODBC:
look at http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jsp?forum=48&thread=149941
jschell's points are interesting!
About JDBC and SQLServer:
Why should it be slow?
Examples?
If you search this forum for "SQLServer", you should get lots.
If you post a more specific question or problem, you might get specific help.
My experiences are well, but I have not yet done much compare.
With all due respect, your question is similar to "how long is a string ?".
Without any explanation of your environment, this is a difficult question to answer.
The answer should be "NO WAY". But, this depends on many things:
1) Is your SQL Server machine running on a 286 with 512K of Memory ? Or a PIV 1.4 GHz with 2 GIGs ?
2) Is your network running on Serial cable or Fibre optics?
3) **VERY IMPORTANT** - what driver are you using?
DON'T use the OBDC bridge - that will most certainly slow things down.
Bad news: Good SQL Server drivers are expensive
Good news: There's a free one that can handle 60-75% of your daily tasks:
http://www.freetds.org
Enjoy
Justoon