Hi all, For one of our reqmt, I need to create an excel file in production server and I need to mail it. Now my question is, is it good to install Microsoft Excel in Notes Domino server??? Is it advisable??coz my users are not willing to do it…To be on safer side I want to know your experience…Please advise…
Regards,
Shankar.
Subject: Excel in domino server
Another option, which is what I do for reports, is to create a text file (could be CSV I guess, I actually use a ~ delimiter). Then embed the file into a rich text field on a form which has an ‘Open Document’ button, and send it to the user storing the form. This button can then have whatever code behind it to format the report on opening the excel file on the user’s PC.
The downsides to this are that you have to be able to save the text file on the server before embedding it onto the form, and on the client you again need to detach the file to open it in excel. Also, the code is of course in 2 separate places.
The upsides are you don’t have to install extra software on the server (even if the chances of that causing a problem are small), and you can format the report as you like for excel.
Subject: Excel in domino server
The other thing to consider is that unless your server is Windows (you didn’t specify it in your post), installing Excel isn’t an option.
Subject: Excel in domino server
One option is to create a CSV file - I believe that the associated application for that file type is typically Excel.
Advantage: Desktop software needs not be installed on server and coding is very simple - just write values separated by commas and enclose in double quotes.
Disadvantage: Forget about formatting the output
Another possibility is to create an RTF file that contains embedded tables. Here are some recent specs for the RTF format:
For Word 2003 format (v 1.8): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=ac57de32-17f0-4b46-9e4e-467ef9bc5540&displaylang=en
For Word 2007 format (v 1.9):
Advantage: Allows formatted table output without installing additional software on server
Disadvantage: Long development time and fairly steep learning curve to understand RTF format.
Subject: Excel in domino server
Shankar,
I have had excel installed on my servers for ages and we have had 0 problems.
If no one has access to your server’s OS, they won’t be using the instance of excel that is on there anyway.
hth.
brandt