OLE Automation - Absolutely correct.

SQL Server does provide another option to do what OLE Automation using (almose) Pure T-SQL. On a previous thread, we discussed how it would be a wonderful world if it was supported. However, it turns out that for this option to work, a copy of Excel must be installed... on the SQL Server. And this is what "everyone" was warning against.

Thanks for bringing that up. So many options... so little posting time.