Many companies have started embedding web apps within their websites. For instance, an enterprise may want to provide their viewers the option to use the tools of their trade, or use their website to supply a certain value for subscribers — a financial planning tool or an engineering calculator, for instance. Apps of the sort can not only be useful in acquiring new clients, but also prove reliability and trust.
These instruments are often constructed in Microsoft Excel, as an app that works using the many features and formulae in the software. Organizations utilize Excel for a variety of reasons, some of which can bring much value to their webpages. However, embedding an Excel application on a website can be a complicated task. Here we go through the three main methods to do this.
Option 1: Downloadable file
The easiest way to deploy an Excel web application on your website is to offer it for download. You simply embed a button that sends the file directly to your visitor’s computer, allowing them to use the spreadsheet in full.
While it is incredibly straightforward, it also poses some clear risks: first of all, it will likely not be possible for your organization to do this as it risks exposing your intellectual property. This also requires Excel to be installed on the downloader’s computer, and if their version isn’t the same as the one the file was created in, some compatibility issues may occur. Beyond this, it’s quite an inelegant solution that many enterprises will not opt for.
Option 2: Custom solution
For those looking for a more refined alternative, programming a custom solution is a possible option. By doing so, you’ll be able to control every part of your app, from its functionality to appearance, which can sometimes make or break a webpage.
Unfortunately, this option doesn’t come without trade-offs either. Software development is often expensive and time-consuming, and this applies to the maintenance of the app as well. While updating a formula in an Excel file is trivial, doing the same for your custom coded solution is likely to be far more involved — not ideal if your app is one which requires regular refreshing.
Option 3: Use EASA
If you don’t want to break the bank and don’t have the time to spend on a custom solution, but still want a more graceful option than slapping the original file on your webpage, converting your Excel sheet into a web app with EASA is the best of both worlds. It’s simple yet slick, and allows you to deploy a neat, secure and functional solution quickly with far less investment than a typical programmed, custom solution. EASA will take your Excel app — including any VBA, macros and formulae — and use it as an engine for a web app, which you can then embed on your site simply and seamlessly. Once an app has been created, you can easily embed it in three simple steps:
1. Decide on user authentication method
First, you’ll need to set the type of access you want to allow. You may have a portal or link which is open to the public and requires no login, while in other cases full login is required, for example to access a paid subscription SaaS. In some cases, you may have tiered levels of access to specific inputs, outputs and functionality depending on the type of subscription, and this is also supported by EASA.
2. Determine direct to app web address
Once the credentials are set, you’ll need to incorporate a web address (URL) to take the user to the EASA app. This will be generated when you set up your web app with the EASA platform.
3. Direct to app web address
It’s now time to embed. Add a hyperlink, button or iframe pointing to the EASA URL within the desired page and location in the website, and you’re good to go.
Contact us to learn more about how EASA can work for your company.
