Utility for sharing data in real time using SharePoint 2007 excel services for a media company.

Share Point 2007 (WSS 3.0 and MOSS 2007),SharePoint Excel Services, MSSQL 2005,Dot Net Framework 2.0,Microsoft Enterprise Library 3.1

A utility to share excel files in real time on web with standard and custom templates to facilitate production coordinators was created.

The utility allowed the production coordinators of the media company to share estimates, quotes and take approvals in real time using excel flies across locations with the media company being able to have a centralized control.

Background

Client wanted a utility that could act as an addon for his existing web applications where in the production coordinators could create a budget in excel sheet from anywhere and upload it later for all stakeholders to view & update as per assigned privileges.

The key requirement was secure yet user friendly solution that provided automatic version control whenever data synchronization took place.

Solution

Cygnet Infotech’s SharePoint technical team proposed the SharePoint Excel Services as a solution. The solution was designed in the manner that it best fit the client requirements. The system offered following features:

Since the sheet was mainly used for quotes submission hence custom template feature was implemented to maintain document consistency.
Once the sheet was available to all stakeholders they could work on it on both online and offline modes. The sheets could be synchronized at the central location.
Checkin and Check out features were provided to inform the users in case someone was already working on the sheet.
Automatic versioning when excel sheets were uploaded by the coordinator's.

Technology Highlights

Software/ Tools	Share Point 2007 (WSS 3.0 and MOSS 2007),SharePoint Excel Services, Dot Net Framework 2.0,Microsoft Enterprise Library 3.1
Back End	MSSQL 2005
Operating System	Window 2K, Window XP

Benefits to Client

Solution implementation provided following benefits

Common format thus providing easy tracking of quotations. User wise sheet maintainence for easy tracking, comparison and statistical analysis.
A central data repository allowed the client to reference details from a central location.
The users have added advantage of working in both offline and online modes and meet time deadlines irrespective of the location and internet availability.
Data security and business secrecy were obtained.