Abstract: A method dynamically assigns tasks for visually presenting data. A server receives a request, from a client device, to display a visual representation of data in a designated format. The request specifies one or more client device characteristics, including: client memory capacity; current client memory utilization; client processor capability; current client processor utilization; and the client's web browser. The server determines whether to render the requested visual representation at the server or at the client device based on several factors, including the client device characteristics and the size of the data set. When rendering at the client, the server sends the requested data to the client, including data necessary to render the visual representation in the designated format. Otherwise, the server renders the requested visual representation according to the designated format using the data, and sends the rendered image to the client.

Abstract: For standalone spreadsheet applications and/or Web-based spreadsheet services, the ability to designate, discover and set parameters for spreadsheet documents is provided. When creating a spreadsheet document, the ability to designate certain cells or ranges of cells as parameters to a spreadsheet is enabled. Furthermore, whether viewed in a standalone spreadsheet application or via a Web service, the ability to discover these parameters through the user interface or object model is provided. The ability to set or change these parameters one at a time or in bulk and drive the changes into the calculation model is also provided. Accordingly, whether viewed in a standalone spreadsheet application or via a Web rendering service, the effect of the parameters entered by the user can be calculated and viewed at once. The ability to suspend recalculation of a workbook until all relevant values, such as a current set of parameters, are obtained is also enabled.