C# – How to implement a business logic layer when using entity framework as data access layer

I think your data access pattern is fine. What you are not doing is coupling your BLL to the OracleDAL. You are coupling to the DAL interfaces. A certain bit of coupling is absolutely required or you could never get anything done.

I assume that your DataFactory and the INewsItemRepository classes exist outside your DAL Layer. The following is an example of how my solutions are organized. I don't use ActiveRecord, so this may not suit you perfectly.

Core (Project)
  Domain
    Business Entities
  Data
    Repository Interfaces
    **Your DataFactory**

OracleData (Project)
  Data
    Oracle Repository Implementations

SqlData (Project)
  Data
    Sql Repository Implementations

UI (Project)

Hope this helps.

In my opinion, the EF objects would be mapped to yours. This has a higher development cost, but gives the added benefit of persistence ignorance and decoupling. This decoupling can translate to significant agility and real world savings in the long-run, should the business need to switch to a different persistence solution. Without the decoupling, the EF objects can become deeply embedded in the BLL and even presentation layers, requiring a huge refactoring. In such a case, the business might not even consider switching persistence solutions, which could cause the business to be less competitive.

The decision to reap this benefit at the higher development cost depends on the amount of risk the business is willing to take. I suggest you consult with the project commissioners and use your best judgement to interpret their strategic objectives in a technical way.