How do I execute a sql server scalar-valued function from vb.net? Is it just like a stored procedure?

Thats awesome! Thanks Greg... that worked. ;-)

Yep, Greg's solution works (just remember to either set the Connection property on the command or call ExecuteScalar(cmd) through a business object)   However, if you ever need to return a value from a stored procedure (or multiple values), you can also use output parameters.  After you call ExecuteScalar() or ExecuteNonQuery(), the parameters labeled as Direction = Output will have the values assigned by the server.  Just FYI.

Greg's solution also works with more than just scalar values... you can use it with full record sets as well.

I'm not following you Ben. How would you use ExecuteScalar with a "full record sets"? Doesn't it just return a single value?

Glad you got it working!