May saw the holding of the inaugural Excel MVP Euro Summit in Amsterdam. SumProduct’s very own Liam Bastick, in between training in London and Kuala Lumpur, was there to listen to hear what some of the keenest Excel minds in the world had to say. Key topics and discussions included the benefits of using Power Pivot and integrating third party add-ins into the spreadsheet software. More to follow in later news. Indeed, SumProduct continue to forge links with experts around the world including a revised Power Pivot training course co-developed with Excel Guru’s Ken Puls. We think the T-shirts may probably say it all…

Back in March, Microsoft introduced an IT Pro and Developer Preview for the Office 2016 release and now they are releasing a version for the broader public. From 4 May (US time), the Office 2016 Preview has been expanded, making it available to Office users everywhere in preparation for general availability later in the year. Not only will Office 2016 previewers will get an early look at the next release of Office on Windows desktop, users may provide interactive feedback which could shape the final version.

Microsoft has been busy updating the Excel Online experience as they try to convince spreadsheet diehards that the future lines on the web. The company has acknowledged that early adopters have found the experience rather limiting but they have been working hard incorporating several major updates. To try to encourage Excel users, Microsoft has prioritised Excel Online’s list of features and functionalities based on customer feedback and market research so that many missing links can now be accessed whether you use it via OneDrive (previously SkyDrive) or Office 365.

Microsoft released its final batch of security patches for Windows XP (and Office 2003) on April 8, leaving those still running this operating system without potentially critical security updates. It is amazing to think how many people are still using this given...

Microsoft Office for iPad has just been announced, and MS Excel has hit the App Store ripe for download.Like Microsoft Word for iPad and Microsoft PowerPoint for iPad, Microsoft Excel for iPad is available as a free download. Users can view documents for free with...

SumProduct has moved its Registered Office.They say change is as good as a rest and SumProduct now rests at these new premises. Our Collins Street operating address remains, this is more an administrative move. We assure our existing and prospective clients alike...

Well, if you can’t blow your own trumpet on your own website, where can you? Whilst it was published way back on January 7, one of our clients has kindly pointed out the following bragging rights which we thought we would share. Microsoft publishes various useful...

Some of our readers may be using Web Excel, the on-line version of Excel that can be accessed via a web browser, frustrated by its lack of functionality in certain areas. You may like to know Microsoft has a public survey available regarding how shapes might work in...

SumProduct is pleased to announce that our MD, Liam Bastick, has been re-awarded Microsoft’s Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award for Excel for 2014. This award recognises exceptional technical community leaders from around the world who voluntarily share their high quality, real world expertise with others. Microsoft MVPs are a highly select group of experts representing technology’s best and brightest who share a deep commitment to community and a willingness to help others.

OK, so we have our winner for the bad headline of the year award, but we thought we would wrap up 2013 with the announcement that Microsoft has released “Project Siena”, a Windows 8.1 app that lets you easily create your own Windows app. It is presently available in...