InfoPath Dev

I want to learn how to work with InfoPath database templates and the support for from MSDN is limited.  I have some questions and need more expertise.  I have figured out how to hook form to SQL (and insert data) -- currently am looking for advice on how to desing the form by adding other  (non-database field) controls.  I can't seem to create controls unless they come from the database.  Is this a limitation of the product?  

Does anyone have a good resources on using InfoPath database template and SQL?  I am not interested (initially) of using database accelerator - I want to learn more about what the build-for-Infopath database functionality can do first.

Thank you.

Doreen:

I can't seem to create controls unless they come from the database.  Is this a limitation of the product?  

Correct. That's the main limitation. And it's a big one. Your form's schema is not modifiable unless you first modify the database.

Databased forms are bound to the database schema in the same way that SharePoint list forms are bound to the SharePoint list.

The reason people look to third party tools is to overcome these limitations.

Thanks Ernesto that is what I needed confirmation of.   MSDN resources does not spell this fact out.  I found this article that may be helpful to some to http://sharepointdotnetwiki.iblogger.org/2009/11/infopath-limitation/

 I have another related question: does this same limitation apply to non-database template forms that use web services? My understanding is you can achieve connection to database on forms that are built after-the-fact using web services.  If that is the case then I assume (maybe wrongly) that I can customize the form to my liking by combining database fields and other controls that don't need a database connections - is that true?

Hi, Doreen:

This is precisely the case, and the way we usually design our forms. We start with a blank template so we have complete freedom in the schema, then use web services to return data and to submit data as needed. We use our web service product (a trial and pricing can be found here) but other web services can also be used - if you are a dev, you can even write your own. More info here.