using Excel functions in SQL server

[DataMiner]

I'm trying to use an excel function 'NormsInv" in a View on SQL server. MSKB says

Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2000 Analysis Services supports many functions in the Microsoft Excel worksheet library, which is automatically registered if installed on the computer with Analysis Services. Functions not supported in this release are marked by an asterisk in this table.

(NormsInv is NOT marked by an asterisk)


I am confused about this "Analysis services" stuff, which I'm not (as far as I know) using. I'm just using SQL Server Management Studio. Should the excel functions be available?

 

[boblarson]

Analysis services is not the same as using SQL Server. It is a separate function - outside of the database Engine.

See here for more about it:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175609(SQL.90).aspx

 

[DataMiner]

I don't think I can use Analysis services. The excel function needs to be included in a View which is used in a Stored Procedure when I import new data. As I read it, analysis services is more for just reporting and data mining....?

So I have this stored procedure which basically I cannot run because I can't find anything to replace the Excel NormsInv function that I was using through Access.

So... what do I do? My only idea right now is to keep this part of my application in Access.

 

[boblarson]

So... what do I do? My only idea right now is to keep this part of my application in Access.

Sometimes that's what you gotta do. Unless you can actually build your own User Defined Function in SQL to do the same as the built-in Excel Function.

 

[DataMiner]

Well, that's frustrating! I'm trying to move my automated stuff out of Access, to improve reliability, but SQL server has a much more limited range of functions than Access / Excel. So this will mean I have to leave a very important, complex part of my app in Access.

Just venting.... no reply necessary.

 

[SQL_Hell]

Someone else has tried it, here

http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic158858-21-1.aspx

You will need to sign up to see the thread

Made my brain hurt reading that

 

[DataMiner]

Thanks a million! It made my brain hurt, too, but it works!