In Chapter 5, I covered the basics of using ADO and SQL to work with data sources. All the ADO and SQL examples dealt with data stored in tables in a database. However, in today’s world of technology, you often work with data and applications in a variety of formats, such as text files and spreadsheets. You may need to import or link data from various sources into your database to avoid having to retype all the information that is already stored electronically in another format. At some point, another application might need the data in your application or you may want to get data out of your application for another reason. In that case, you can export information from your application into another format.
In this chapter, you will explore the various ways to use VBA code to consume web services, as well as to link to and import SharePoint Lists. The chapter will cover:
The definition of a web service and how you can use data returned from a web service
The definition of SharePoint and SharePoint Lists
Linking to SharePoint Lists
Linking and importing SharePoint Lists using VBA
Creating SharePoint list entries from VBA
These techniques will enable you to build applications that can interact with other systems throughout your organization and beyond.