XML to Template; im a newb.

Question

Im still fairly in the beginner stage for illustrator and XML... but think I have an opportunity to learn a trick or two.
TASK: Create very VERY basic name plates for a meeting. Basic 8inch x 2inch folded cardstock with names and logos on them.
Tools: Illustrator CS3 & Excel spreadsheet with all 50 people (cell for Rank / first / last / company)
Solution 1: create a basic layout, copy/paste 50 times, change the data... easy, takes a little time (50 people is not that much).
Solution 2: make this 100x more difficult but learn a 'process' along the way that may make life simpler from here on in (like learning actions in PS).
So, is there something that AI CS3 can do as far as talking with XML? **Also what is the proper way to export the XML from excel? I realize that this is not an Microsoft forum but I think it may be as easy as, 'hey dummy, click this then this... presto'
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

XML (or plain generic Excel usage) requires you to learn the fine art of using variables. Read up in the help. The specifics of the XML definitions would depend on what versions of Office you use. The format of AI's XML can be determined by exporting a variable library from the Variables panel once you have defined your dynamic objects. just be aware that all of this may actually not help you at all - there are some not so minor issues with how AI can't handle some special characters and combinations of spaces, so with some names it would probably only produce nonsense.
Mylenium