What external data sources are compatible with Lightning Connect?

Lightning Connect is a powerful feature that allows Salesforce to access externally stored data in real-time. The correct answer highlights that any data sources compatible with the OData 2.0 protocol can be integrated through Lightning Connect. OData (Open Data Protocol) is a standardized protocol that facilitates the access and querying of data over the web. This means that as long as an external data source can structure its data in accordance with the OData 2.0 specifications, Salesforce can integrate that data directly into its ecosystem.

This capability is especially useful for organizations that need to work with multiple data sources, such as databases or services outside of Salesforce, as it allows for seamless data access without the need for complex data migration processes. By focusing on adherence to the OData standard, Lightning Connect ensures flexibility and broad compatibility with various systems beyond just Salesforce data or specific types like structured data from ERP systems. Thus, organizations can leverage this feature to streamline their workflows and enhance their Salesforce implementations with real-time insights from diverse external data sources.