[MrTonyD]

I disagree strongly with an interdependence on Excel. Instead, it would make sense to ask what new functionality could be added - and start by looking at major applications of databases (you might be surprised to hear that scalibility and reliability are much more important than most think - and almost always beat other features for adoption by paying business customers). The Excel UI is a boat-anchor to innovation in the space (no reliability/scalibility or modern architecture). The Web is the new de-facto GUI, and it should be possible to start adding functionality that Excel would be hard-pressed to replicate.

I should add that I was once a Product Manager for core database at Oracle. We had constant requests for an Excel front-end to Oracle. I don't know if we had any major customers who didn't ask for a spreadsheet front-end at some point. But we were busy making money on other things, and it just wasn't a priority (though consulting routinely built hooks.) So I think that this has the potential to be a huge product - especially if it can leverage new technology in ways which Excel can't. Don't let Excel and Microsoft drag this product down.