directing away from the original intention just because its "easier" is not a solution at all.
thats like saying to a financial institute not to use databases to store data but text files as its easier.

to use Excel, you need to familiarize yourself with the PIA - Programmable Interop Assemblies. in other words, directly access and using excel using the libraries.

good starting point:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/301982