I absolutely agree, it doesn't replace statistical software or a database but it does some seriously heavy lifting for most analytical tasks. Most companies have it so there's no need for special software and it's relatively easy to learn. Not every task needs a special tool.

In my next post I'll be getting into Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPS. In the meantime, Chandoo.org do the best job IMHO of explaining functions and formulas - chandoo.org/wp/advanced-excel-skills/