An application component uses a connection factory to access a connection instance, which
the component then uses to connect to the underlying EIS. A resource adapter acts as a
factory of connections. Examples of connections include database connections, JMS (Java
Message Service) connections, and SAP R/3 connections.
Connection pooling manages connections that are expensive to create and destroy.
Connection pooling of expensive connections leads to better scalability and performance in
an operational environment. The connection management contract provides support for
connection pooling.