Excel-based Server Application

Question

Hi there,

I have a question re Excel deployment on my web server.

I want to launch a website that will teach the visitors some particular use of Excel. But I want that the visitors do all exercises not in their Excel desktop applications, but rather in Excel ‘web interface’ provided at my site. So that Excel be installed on server and provided its usual front-end to the visitor. I need to control all stuff visitors do in the workbook, be able to find errors they made, perform calculation checks, etc.

For the avoidance of doubt, please note that this is not just about publishing Excel files online. In fact, I want a full-fledged web application around Excel, with full control of what the user does there.

Two important points:

• Of course, my web application must include the same “spreadsheet-like” interface of Excel, so that the UI be the same for the user as if he worked in its desktop Excel.
• I do not want to recreate the Excel formulas in server-side code. I want Excel to do its job, but just on server rather than on client’s machine.

The questions hence are:

1. Is it possible to deploy Excel as a web interface, i.e. online, with all or most functionality of Excel desktop application?
2. If so, is it possible to have server-based control of user actions in this ‘online Excel’ workbooks?
3. Likewise, is it possible to deploy Excel VBA in a similar way?
4. What technical problems will I face?
5. What licensing issues will arise?

Brds

Alex

Answer 1

Hi Alexander,

Your questions about Excel server application is more complex than what is typically answered in the Microsoft Answers forums. It is best suited for the IT Pro audience on TechNet. We suggest that you post your questions in the TechNet support forums.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi Acelyn,

Thank you very much for your tip,

Brds

Alex