 SoftArtisans ExcelWriter
Deliver Excel Docs Over the Web
by Leonard Lobel
November 2003 Issue
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ExcelWriter from SoftArtisans is a server-side spreadsheet-reporting
library that lets you deliver native Excel documents
over the Web. Running multiple Excel instances on a Web
server introduces performance and stability problems,
as well as licensing issues. You deploy ExcelWriter to
a Web server as a single multithreaded COM DLL capable
of handling concurrent user requests reliably—with
no per-user license cost, and without running Excel on
the server.
You create an instance of the ExcelWriter application
class to gain access to an object model quite similar
to Excel. You populate the Cells collection and execute
the Save method to create an Excel spreadsheet on the
fly from scratch and stream it to the client (see Figure
1). You also can change an existing Excel document
or template before streaming it to the client. ExcelWriter
supports formatting, formulas, custom styles, charting,
and images. The object model also supports advanced Excel
features such as macros, outlines, PivotCharts, and Visual
Basic for Applications (VBA) code. It generates Excel
files in native Microsoft binary format compatible with
Excel 95, 97, 2000, and 2002.
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Figure 1
The CopyFromRecordset and GetDataFromRecordset methods transfer
a rectangular block of data from an ADO RecordSet to a spreadsheet
in a single step. Version 4's new GetDataFromDataset method
provides the same support for an ADO.NET DataSet. ExcelWriter
also can use data it parses from an XML data source to furnish
a spreadsheet.
Client users can modify spreadsheets and upload the changes
to the server. HotCell technology—a new feature in version
4—lets local modifications update data on a Web server
dynamically.
ExcelWriter's Enterprise Edition provides the full feature
set and unlimited spreadsheet delivery. Standard Edition has
a reduced object model, can't manipulate Excel files, can't
post workbook changes back from the client to the server, doesn't
include the HotCell feature, and doesn't provide full .NET
support. Limited Edition has the same limitations and a delivery
limit of 200 spreadsheets per day. A developer version of each
edition that can generate only one spreadsheet at a time is
also available. It includes CodeWizard—a handy component
that examines an Excel file and generates a source file containing
the code necessary to reproduce it. The SoftArtisans Web site
posts a detailed comparison of the editions to help you decide
which one suits your needs.
Setup is fast and simple. The help files include a quick-start
tutorial, plentiful samples, and in-depth feature coverage.
ExcelWriter is powerful and easy to use, offering a practical
solution for your Web-based spreadsheet-reporting needs.
About the Author
Leonard Lobel is the CEO and founder of Sleek Technologies
Inc., a development shop specializing in Microsoft-based solutions,
and he is the director of software for Government Data Publications
in New York. Lenni is also a consultant and trainer with more
than 24 years of experience. Reach him at llobel@sleektechnologies.com. |
