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Master the tools that transform the information in spreadsheets, databases, and servers into faster, better business decisions. Packed with expert insights and practical Your Turn exercises, this essential guide shows how to use the data analysis capabilities in Microsoft Office applications to capture data, analyze trends, identify risks—and seize opportunities. It covers everything from mastering the basics of sorting, filtering, and formatting data to performing sophisticated what-if scenarios, analyzing multidimensional data, and even creating automated data-analysis solutions.

Discover how to turn data into results!

• Help numbers tell the story with compelling, well-designed Microsoft Excel charts, graphics, and reports
• Use PivotTable and PivotChart dynamic views to detect patterns and evaluate trends
• Use Data Analyzer to perform detailed analyses and present information in dynamic pie charts, bar graphs, and other views
• Publish and analyze data over the Web using Office Web Components
• Learn techniques to interpret—and exchange—XML data
• Analyze large databases using the OLAP features in Excel
• Write code to automate data analysis and reporting solutions
• Implement a database maintenance plan that helps keep data accurate, accessible, and secure

About the Author

Paul Cornell is a member of the Microsoft Office team and contributes to the “Office Power User Corner” column for the Office User Assistance Center, an online community on Microsoft.com. He also contributes to the “Office Talk” column on MSDN, the Microsoft Developer Network. Paul is a recognized expert in using the data analysis and programming capabilities across the Office suite.