I heard about
Excel Services a while ago, but hadn't had any time to look at them even briefly until now. Basically, it's a server-side system that lets you access data and calculations in Excel spreadsheets via Web services. Think about how much business data and calculation is done with Excel. Now imagine being able to leverage the directly. Want to change the algorithm you use to compute some key financial data? Let the analyst modify the spreadsheet and copy the update to your server and you're done. Now *this* is the way to align technology and business. Of course, that assumes it all actually works well - I haven't done anything yet. But still, it has *tons* of potential. Very cool idea, definitely something to spend more time with.
Posted
Jun 14 2006, 06:58 AM
by
tim-ewald