New to Java

Hello

Is there a way to open an excel spreadsheet in java? I don't mean reading and writing from an excel file, but instead embedding excel in java. For example instead of launching excel using the Desktop class and opening a new excel window, Java would open an instance of excel and add it to Jframe or Jpanel. Sort of like what Eclipse does when you Open a file with In_Place Editor. Google returns results on how to use some windows dll file and using active x control or whatnot.. Was wondering if there is a better and simpler way..
Thank you.