We are now going to convert our previous sample to use cached data.  In our current solution we have code that when the document loads, it calls a web service to get the bug data.  We are going to use the cached data feature to allow us to call the web service at a different time to fill in the dataset in the document without having to start Excel.  Why would we want to do this?  Well, several reasons.  First, we can improve the load time of our document by updating the data in the document in advance.  This also is handy to update the data in the document if the document is going to be opened outside the firewall where the web service can’t be accessed.  So a process running on a machine within the firewall can update the data in the document and then give the document to a machine running outside the firewall. As mentioned in the last article, it can also allow me to update the bug data in my workbooks in the middle of the night via a scheduled process so I can hit the web service when traffic is low.

Originally posted here:
5. VSTO Bug Tracker : Using Cached Data