Are some Enterprise Library Application Blocks becoming obsolete?

Question

With the introduction of newer paradigms in ASP.Net, are some of the Application Blocks in Enterprise Library becoming obsolete? For example, look at following:

• ASP.Net Membership, Role & Profile provider as opposed to Security Application Block
• LINQ to SQL & Entity Framework as opposed to Data Access Application Block

Are the aforementioned Application Blocks still relevant? Can someone illustrate when and why would one use one over the other?

Answer 1

As a producer of Microsoft Enterprise Library, I felt it was important to explain the concept of "carefully managed deprecation". So, I've posted an extended response on my blog.