Have you considered use of Project Server? Project schedule and resource management type views can provide very powerful information to a seemingly disparate and geographically distributed userbase. A centralized database/system can provide easy access to valuable project and operational work data/information. If the information is perceived as valuable, and access is simple, you may be able to convince users that a common source of the data can be effective. In addition, if Excel or SQL reporting formats are preferrable to some, extacts or downloads from standard or customized views can be done easily.
Alternatively, could Excel extracts of data from MS Project be performed? This may allow you to retain a single source for your project schedule related information while allowing extracted Excel data to be reported for those with that particular preference.
I realize these comments may be over-simplified, but perhaps you can get an idea from them.
