Our client has transitioned from Microsoft to Google Workspace and no longer provides Microsoft licenses, meaning end users can no longer open the .xlsx files generated by our current Excel Tools v2.10 implementation. We need to convert our data export functionality to a format native to Google so users can access their reports without needing Excel. What is the recommended workaround to replace the Excel tools plugin smart service? We are looking for an alternative that avoids physical Excel files entirely to ensure a seamless experience for our users.
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As far as I am aware, google workspace fully supports viewing and editing of xlsx files. Can you please check on that. Or CSV could be an option.
I support this. Google Workspace supports Excel files.
Currently, our export functionality has a download link of the excel document. In order to open you need to have Microsoft Excel on your machine. I wanted to know what's the alternative for google and best practices for implementing this.
You might be able to directly create the export spreadsheet file in Google and provide the link to the user.
Hey Jamal -
Just FYI, .xlsx is an open (XML based) format, so Excel shouldn't be *strictly* required. If they're wanting the ability to open documents 100% locally, which it sounds like you're saying, it might be worthwhile to suggest that the free office suite LibreOffice has built-in support for Excel files, and therefore should support download-time opening of your report files after only minimal configuration at the individual PC level.
I'm not sure if there's any easy solution that completely bypasses .xlsx hard copies, though I suppose (with quite a bit of extra work) there could be options available through Google Drive integration.