Addin Office Web App (React) Offline like VSTO

Question

Hello,

I would like to now if it is possible to run a React add-in Office.js without a connection. (Similare to VSTO). At the moment we have to expose a web server to access it, are we going to have another solution ?

Is this in your intention? If so, when do you expect it to be available ?

If not, VSTO and COM will be one of the solution, will it be maintained in the long term ? (about the "legacy" status)

link for "legacy" status:

https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blogs/office-add-ins-community-call-february-10-2021/
https://www.theregister.com/2021/06/07/microsoft_vsto/
https://comparaland.com/logiciels/microsoft-renverse-la-demande-de-portage-de-visual-studio-tools-pour-office-vers-net-core-de-bien-sur-nous-allons-jeter-un-oeil-a-non/

Thanks !

Answer 1

Unfortunately there is no way today to write an Office.js-based Add-in that is fully offline. It is definitely a capability that we've heard requested numerous times but at this point in time it is still on the backlog.

COM add-ins and VSTO add-ins are in use by a number of add-ins developed by Microsoft and 3rd parties and we expect to continue to support them well into the future. In fact, in the community call that you referenced, you'll see a feature where the developer can favour their COM add-in over their new Office.js-based add-in.