automation & integration with libre office

[delikedi]

Hello,

I develop and use a multiuser Access runtime solution at a governmental organization.
Although the solution is free except for the computer on which it is developed, the remainder of the office system is not.
The database relies heavily on tens of Word and Excel templates to generate hundreds of documents every month.

Although I can think of nobody who would consider the cost of current MS proprietary software as a resource mis-spent,
my organization pressures me towards open office solutions. I must admit that I do not place much of a resistance
since I believe open software is the way to go as time passes.

My search returned 10 results on the word "libre", none of them relevant.

The problem is, Libre Office, which I consider to be "the one", does not expose a COM object model to VBA.
Theres no way to automate Libre Office through VBA code like the way one automates a Word document's bookmarks from the Access database.
I believe an intermediate program, probably written in java, is required to act as ambassador.

What are your opinions on the matter? Have you ever witnessed a totally free solution with open software automation?

 

[mdlueck]

I received this search hit via searching for "OLE Automation LibreOffice"

http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Documentation/DevGuide/ProUNO/Bridge/Automation_Bridge

At first glance, looks like it is supported.

The document states that use of such is tied to operating on the Windows platform. It is not available for other OS platforms.

 

[delikedi]

Indeed, it works Thank you for the link. Although there's no type library to set a reference to, the line

Set objServiceManager= CreateObject("com.sun.star.ServiceManager")

does bring forth the initial menu of Open Office. The code that follows shows what can be done, which is more than I want. The documentation is limited though, but once I crack how to fill bookmarks, most of the work would be done. I couldn't find an equivalent method for Libre Office, but considering that the two Office packs are descendants of the same program I'll get there soon. Definitely a promising start.

 

[mdlueck]

Indeed, it works

Good. I got concerned after I posted as I saw that the search pulled up an OpenOffice doc rather than LibreOffice. I could not locate equivalent documentation specific to LibreOffice. Evidently that code did move with the shift to LibreVille.

Such OLE Automation I have found very sketchy documentation for, no matter which application is desired to be driven with it.

I couldn't find an equivalent method for Libre Office

Oh.... so you did end up testing initially with OpenOffice. Perhaps since you know what you are looking for now, inquiring directly with LibreOffice will be possible.