Forums     Knowledge Base     OfficeWriter Online     
 
 
This documentation is for
OfficeWriter v3.8.1
ASP/COM Platform

View Docs for Another
Version or Platform

Introduction > The Web Reporting Solution

The Web Reporting Solution

SoftArtisans ExcelWriter: The Power of Microsoft® Excel on the Web

SoftArtisans ExcelWriter is a powerful and scalable solution for producing online query and reporting applications in the format that end-users prefer: Microsoft Excel. A server-side product, ExcelWriter produces richly formatted, native Excel workbooks on-the-fly for an unlimited amount of concurrent end-users, without Microsoft Excel on the server. With SoftArtisans ExcelWriter, online applications and intranet portals seamlessly integrate with common desktop applications.

With SoftArtisans ExcelWriter, standard Excel documents do not have to be compromised into HTML, flat CSV files, or uneditable PDF files to be quickly served through the Web. ExcelWriter produces real, native Excel — not Excel look-alikes. A simple yet comprehensive solution, ExcelWriter can use dynamic data from a database or an existing spreadsheet. ExcelWriter enables a wide range of businesses to create high-performance applications while making efficient use of limited systems, development resources, and users' Excel proficiency.

Benefits

The benefits of using SoftArtisans ExcelWriter for online reporting include:

  • Familiarity of Client
    Microsoft Excel is the most widely used spreadsheet application currently available to work with quantitative data. The widespread familiarity with Excel eliminates the need for comprehensive training on a proprietary Web reporting software package.

  • Richness
    ExcelWriter delivers richly formatted native Excel files that contain comprehensive formatting, formulas, custom styles, charting, images, and the ability to precisely control page layout, set page breaks, and format print options.

  • Ease of Modification
    Once received on the client machine, the spreadsheets can be manipulated, sorted, and modified as required. Alternatively, these Excel files can be secured and protected, client-side, to avoid tampering or unauthorized access.

  • Upload Back to the Server
    Excel files that have been modified client-side, can be uploaded back to the Web server and read with Cells.GetDataFromExcelSheet, or modified with ExcelApplication.Open.

  • Flexibility
    Users can serve themselves data and generate Excel reports from any location that has Internet access.

  • Delivery Speed
    Because Excel is not required on the server, an unlimited number of reports can be generated without straining the Web server.

  • Productivity
    Business administration can become more automated. Custom reports for different departments/regions can be automated, reducing dependency on the IT department.

  • Data Visualization and Analysis
    Native Excel charting (2D & 3D) makes data easy to understand.

  • Consistency
    Same data and formatting in reports across the corporation - frequently accessed reports can be saved on the server.

  • Ease of Use
    ExcelWriter makes Web reports accessible to all end users, not just specially trained power users. Most business people are familiar and proficient with Microsoft Excel as compared to other Web reporting tools.

  • Time Management
    Reporting via the Web reduces and eliminates meetings, conference calls, and many customer service issues.

Web Reporting Format Comparison

Microsoft ExcelAdobeĀ® PDFHTMLCSV
Modifiable by usersYesNoNoYes
Multi-platform supportYesYesYesYes
Used for Business Intelligence/Decision Support YesNoNoModerately
Image supportYesYesYesNo
Dynamic chart supportYesNoNoNo
Upload back to serverYesNoNoYes
Can open in browserYesYesYesYes
Rich formattingYesYesModeratelyNo



Copyright 2007 © SoftArtisans, Inc. All Rights Reserved.