Connect from a SQL Server 2005 db to a SQL Server 2000 db, without linked server connection

Can I connect from a SQL Server 2005 database to a SQL Server 2000 database, without establishing a linked server connection.

I need to fire a SELECT query on a SQL Server 2000 database, but don't want to add it as a linked server. Is there any way I can do this or its not possible?

Look in Books Online, Topic: OpenDatasource()

SELECT *
FROM OPENDATASOURCE( 'SQLOLEDB','Data Source=ServerName;
User ID=MyUID;Password=MyPass'
).Northwind.dbo.Categories