Rendering Excel files In Browser Through Office Online via WOPI Protocol

Question

We are planning to integrate with Office Online to render Excel files in browser. I understood the overall workflow by going through the documentation but I have a few questions:

1. Is the excel file rendering responsive on mobile (both android & iOS)? I understand the file rendering is responsive when viewed in the excel mobile app but the question is mainly about rendering it inside our app which is a hybrid (cordova based - web view) app.
2. Can we install Office Online server on-premise when using it for rendering excel files in production mode?
3. Do we need to implement authentication given that the application from which the user clicks on the file has authentication mechanism already in place? In this context a related question is do we need to generate access tokens?
4. If we go with the Office online server deployment in the microsoft cloud, would it be a dedicated server deployed for our needs? Would it be scalable based on the server load?

Thanks.

Answer 1

1. The mobile web experience is not perfect but it's possible to open and view the files in the browser without bigger issues.
2. What do you mean by "production mode"? You can install and use it as long as you comply with the license terms (which is basically that every editor needs to have their own Office license).
3. Yes, you need to use access_token-based authorization, if you want your files secured. The URLs of the files served by a WOPI host are usually pretty easy to guess so if there is not access_token, anyone can see them.
4. Do you mean Office Cloud Storage Partner Program or just deploying OOS to MS Azure? If the latter, then the architecture is entirely up to you. You can deploy the servers into a farm to make the infrastructure scalable enogh.