Ole
OLE is a compound document standard
developed by Microsoft Corporation. It enables you to create objects
with one application and then link or embed them in a second
application. Embedded objects retain their original format and links to
the application that created them. Support for OLE is built into the
Windows and Macintosh operating systems. A competing compound document
standard developed jointly by IBM, Apple Computer, and other computer
firms is called OpenDoc.
Example: Organizational chart embedded in
Excel
Example: Excel Chart
linked to Word and Power Point
In the example above, as the chart changes
in Excel, the updated chart is automatically shown in Word and Power
Point. OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) is supported by many different
programs, and is used to make content created in one program available
in another. The main differences between linked objects and embedded
objects are where the data is stored and how the object is updated after
you place it in the destination file. Embedded objects are stored in the
workbook they are inserted in, and are not updated. Linked objects
remain as separate files, and need to be updated.
Link Yourself Out of
a Job
Using OLE, you could link your accounting
system data to Microsoft Excel, Sheet A. Next you could use formulas to
create the reports you want on Sheet B, referencing the data for Sheet
A. Next you could link your reports on Sheet B to your word processing
document in Word and your Power Point presentation as well. Thereafter,
as data is entered into your accounting system, the Excel data as well
as the Word and Power Point is updated automatically. The result of this
is as follows:
- No re-typing.
- No errors inherent
in re-typing.
- Faster turn around
of Word and Power Point reports, based on current information.
Other OLE Examples
Embedded Voice – Record voice mails,
review comments, or instructions into your word processing document,
e-mail, or Excel spreadsheet.
Embedded Pictures – Embed pictures of
your inventory items into a word processing document. Sales reps can
then carry these pictures on the road. Or embed pictures of employees in
a word document for the benefit of the security guard on the main floor,
or for that new employee that just started.
Embedded video – Embed video clips
demonstrating instructions for employees.
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