ConceptDraw PRO is fully-functional diagramming platform, allow you to perform various diagramming tasks from low-level sketching and drawing to creating rich business diagrams and presentations. ConceptDraw Pro purpose to help create business visual documentation, technical schemes, illustrations and presentation. To perform multiple tasks ConceptDraw contains hundreds of templates and libraries. As a new generation of diagramming tools supports diagramming technologies: RapidDraw, Dynamic Guides and Touch-insert for quick diagramming, Live Objects (indicators, interactive and intelligence objects), User-defined properties, PowerEdit for deep customizing, Dynamic Presentation.
API for diagramming needs from 3rd party applications.

Application Compatibility

• Versions of MS Office supported 2003/2007/2010
• MS Office 2008 (Macintosh)
• Versions of Project 2003/2007/2010
• ConceptDraw PROJECT 6 / ConceptDraw PRO 9 /
• ConceptDraw Office 2

ConceptDraw PROJECT is a full-featured project management solution that keeps you on top of your data through its project dashboards. Project dashboards display all of your key performance indicators on one screen so you can take instant action whenever necessary.

ConceptDraw PROJECT contains an extensive tool set to help project managers. The rich data visualization capability that is provided by CD products builds project dashboards, one-click reports, multi-project views, Gantt charts and resource views, resource usage views. The rich visual data presentation supports important project management tasks such as critical planning and change management.

• Data Sheet ConceptDraw PROJECT v6

Application Compatibility

• Versions of MS Office supported 2003/2007/2010
• MS Office 2008 (Macintosh)
• Versions of Project 2003/2007/2010
• ConceptDraw PROJECT 6/ConceptDraw PRO 9/
• ConceptDraw Office 2

What are the major differences between ConceptDraw PROJECT 6 and the previous version of the product?

There are many updates to ConceptDraw PROJECT 6; below are a few of the product enhancements.

• Better built-in tabular reports (over 40 reports) keep you on top of a single or multiple projects. Reports can be generated across one or multiple reports; resource usage is displayed across multiple projects when using multi-project capability of ConceptDraw PROJECT 6.
• Expanded report capability in ConceptDraw companion products (ConceptDraw MINDMAP and ConceptDraw PRO)
• Build dynamic dashboards with single button click in ConceptDraw PRO (Tactical Dashboard, Radar Chart, Project Dashboard)
• Plug-ins from ConceptDraw Solution Park support rendering a Gantt Chart, Pert Chart, Resource Calendar, Timeline, Milestone Chart Radical Task Structure, Resource Usage and WBS (multiple page format) as business graphics
• Automatically generate mind map reports in ConceptDraw MINDMAP, over twenty map reports available on milestones, resources and tasks
• Tasks now support hyperlinks, to link to task specific external documentation
• Gantt Chart lookup buttons. Highlight a task and then push Go to tasks, your project view is adjusted. Push Go to today to view Gantt Chart view of today’s tasks
• Gant Chart appearance can be easily changed depending on your requirements
• Priority, man hours, baseline start and baseline finish has been added to tasks
• Copy and paste a map, branch or topic from a map into ConceptDraw Project. Copy and paste any tasks form ConceptDraw Project to build a mind map
• Groups of resources can be added by pasting into project resource area.
• Colored markers are selectable with a button push in Gantt Chart view to facilitate work and discussion
• Improved print layout control, makes printing of project data a snap
• Tight integration with ConceptDraw MINDMAP and ConceptDraw PRO using INGYRE2 technology
• A mind map can be generated with a single click inside of ConceptDraw PROJECT
• Windows version receives new Windows Ribbon Interface
• ConceptDraw Solution Browser makes it easy to update your product, submit a support ticket, and browse available plug-in solutions available for download from ConceptDraw Solution Park
• ConceptDraw Solution Park provides product extensibility. Hundreds of solutions are available as plug-ins; many of the solutions are available at no cost. Many business-specific solutions can be found in ConceptDraw Solution Park, such as solutions for Agile Methodology and Simple Project Methodology

What operating systems are supported with ConceptDraw PROJECT 6?

• For Mac, we support Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6 (Leopard and Snow Leopard) and OS X 10.7 (Lion).
• NOTE: ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7 does not support Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
• For PC, we support Windows XP, Vista (32/64 bit), and 7 (32/64 bit)

What is the difference between Trial mode and Demo mode?

Trial mode functions exactly as a fully licensed copy of the product does. There are no limitations to functionality, like file size, printing, or exporting. You will have access to the fully functional Trial mode for 21 days from the time you register your account.

At any point during or after your trial, you can purchase an activation key from our website, one of our resellers, or by calling us directly.

After your trial has expired and you have not yet purchased an activation key, the product runs in Demo mode. In Demo mode, you will be able to create and edit documents, but all save, print, copy, and output options will be disabled.

I have a Macintosh and a PC, am I required to purchase two licenses of the product if I am the only user?

You only need one license per named user. This makes us an economical choice for people who use multiple systems.

Do you have quantity discounts?

Our first quantity discount comes at a purchase for 5 users. For purchases larger than 10 users, please contact us directly for a quote.

Do you offer special academic or nonprofit pricing?

We offer some very special discounts on ConceptDraw products for students and educators at K-12 and post-secondary institutions, as well as for employees of registered nonprofit organizations with 501(c) exemption status.

• If you would like to find out more about these great discounts, please submit a Help Desk ticket with information about your academic or nonprofit status
• If you are a student or faculty member, an academic email address (.edu) is acceptable. If you work for a nonprofit, a link to the company’s website and your email address at that domain is generally acceptable

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.

Click here to go to the HelpDesk and submit your academic or nonprofit information.

Has the price of ConceptDraw PROJECT increased?

Yes, we have increased the price about 10% but you will find that we are still one of the lower priced project products; combine that with no charge telephone/ticket support, and increased product extensibility through ConceptDraw Solution Park. The conclusion is clear that we are the market leader in customer value.

We have not increased the price of ConceptDraw MINDMAP for Projects (contains our standalone ConceptDraw MINDMAP and ConceptDraw PROJECT integrated with INGYRE2 technology) which is a real project management solution for real projects.

Also there has been no increase in price for ConceptDraw Office which adds ConceptDraw PRO to ConceptDraw MINDMAP for Projects. With the addition of ConceptDraw PRO, you are able to build dynamic scoreboards that reflect real time status of key performance indicators being tracked in your projects. ConceptDraw Office is a turnkey work flow software suite that is a mainstay component to many knowledge workers around the world.

Support for licensed users is free, but what about maintenance to protect my investment. I want to make sure I get the next major release of ConceptDraw PROJECT?

We have developed an innovative maintenance program that makes sure you stay up to date. At the time of your buy a ConceptDraw product, you are able to purchase ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1. The ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program takes the guess work out of maintenance for your customers. Buy at the same time you buy your initial license, and when the next major upgrade becomes available the ConceptDraw Solution Browser will tell you immediately upon its availability. You can then select to download and install the new product release. This program delivers the next major upgrade that becomes available after your initial purchase. To purchase upgrades beyond the next major upgrade you would need to purchase the ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program for each major update release.

The benefit of the ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program is that you are purchasing the next major release, not an insurance policy that you may or may not be able to use.

How long have CS Odessa and ConceptDraw been around?

CS Odessa has been in business since 1993; we have sold in over 120 countries and have several hundred thousand users of our ConceptDraw products. We have always supported Macintosh and PC versions of all of our ConceptDraw products, which were launched in 1999. In 2009 and 2010 in we made the Software 500, a list of the 500 largest software developers worldwide. This list is published annually by Software Magazine.

I have questions on upgrades, maintenance and other types of pricing how do I find information, prices and how to qualify?

If you have any questions on the qualifications for product upgrades, academic pricing and qualifications, nonprofit pricing and qualifications or our previous support program please submit a ticket to support for a prompt response.

What are the major differences between ConceptDraw PRO 9 and ConceptDraw PRO 8?

There are many updates to ConceptDraw PRO 9; below are a few of the product enhancements.

• Now over 20,000 library objects, including additions such as iPhone and new Smart Object technology
• Build dynamic dashboards using Smart Object technology that represents your organization’s Key Performance Indicators
• Using ConceptDraw PROJECT data and a single mouse click, ConceptDraw PRO can automatically create dynamic project dashboards.(Tactical Dashboard, Radar Chart, Project Dashboard)
• Plug-ins from ConceptDraw Solution Park support the drawing of Gantt Charts, Pert Charts, Resource Calendars, Timelines, Milestone Chart Radical Task Structures, Resource Usage and WBS (multiple page format) when requested from ConceptDraw PROJECT
• Improved import of Microsoft Visio VDX file format (Visio 2003, Visio 2007, and Visio 2010)
• Improved online service to convert Visio VSD to Visio VDX
• Improved export to Visio VDX format
• Import from a wide range of graphic file formats and Microsoft PowerPoint
• Export to Adobe Flash, HTML, PDF, PPT, Encapsulated Postscript, SVG, and a wide range of graphic formats
• Expansion of software development library to include Mac OS X, Windows, and iPhone prototyping libraries
• Drag-and drop to use drawing objects or click in place for rapid placement
• Improved object positioning tools take less time and give you more control over your drawings
• New Rapid Draw function makes quick work of flowcharts
• Improved print layout control, makes printing a snap
• Better integration with ConceptDraw MINDMAP and ConceptDraw PROJECT using INGYRE2 technology
• Improved search for templates, objects and created documents
• Windows version receives new Windows Ribbon Interface
• ConceptDraw Solution Browser makes it easy to update your product, submit a support ticket, and browse available plug-in solutions available for download from ConceptDraw Solution Park
• ConceptDraw Solution Park provides product extensibility. Hundreds of solutions are available as plug-ins; many of the solutions are available at no cost. Many business-specific solutions can be found in ConceptDraw Solution Park, such as solutions for Agile Methodology and Simple Project Methodology

What operating systems are supported with ConceptDraw PRO 9?

• For Mac, we support Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6 (Leopard and Snow Leopard) and 10.7 (Lion).
• NOTE: ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7 does not support Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
• For PC, we support Windows XP, Vista (32/64 bit), and 7 (32/64 bit)

What is the difference between Trial mode and Demo mode?

Trial mode functions exactly as a fully licensed copy of the product does. There are no limitations to functionality, like file size, printing, or exporting. You will have access to the fully functional Trial mode for 21 days from the time you register your account.

At any point during or after your trial, you can purchase an activation key from our website, one of our resellers, or by calling us directly.

After your trial has expired and you have not yet purchased an activation key, the product runs in Demo mode. In Demo mode, you will be able to create and edit documents, but all save, print, copy, and output options will be disabled.

I have a Macintosh and a PC, am I required to purchase two licenses of the product if I am the only user?

You only need one license per named user. This makes us an economical choice for people who use multiple systems.

Do you have quantity discounts?

Our first quantity discount comes at a purchase for 5 users. For purchases larger than 10 users, please contact us directly for a quote.

Do you offer special academic or nonprofit pricing?

We offer some very special discounts on ConceptDraw products for students and educators at K-12 and post-secondary institutions, as well as for employees of registered nonprofit organizations with 501(c) exemption status.

• If you would like to find out more about these great discounts, please submit a Help Desk ticket with information about your academic or nonprofit status
• If you are a student or faculty member, an academic email address (.edu) is acceptable. If you work for a nonprofit, a link to the company’s website and your email address at that domain is generally acceptable

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.

Click here to go to the HelpDesk and submit your academic or nonprofit information.

Has the price of ConceptDraw PRO increased?

No, we have not increased the price for ConceptDraw PRO, you will find that we are still one of the lower-priced professional drawing and diagramming products; combine that with no charge telephone/ticket support, and increased product extensibility through ConceptDraw Solution Park. The conclusion is clear that we are the market leader in customer value.

We have also not increased the price of ConceptDraw MINDMAP for Projects (contains our standalone ConceptDraw MINDMAP and ConceptDraw PROJECT integrated with INGYRE2 technology) which is a real project management solution for real projects.

Also there has been no increase in price for ConceptDraw Office which adds ConceptDraw PRO to ConceptDraw MINDMAP for Projects. With the addition of ConceptDraw PRO, you are able to build dynamic scoreboards that reflect real time status of key performance indicators being tracked in your projects. ConceptDraw Office is a turnkey work flow software suite that is a mainstay component to many knowledge workers around the world.

Support for licensed users is free, but what about maintenance to protect my investment. I want to make sure I get the next major release of ConceptDraw PRO?

We have developed an innovative maintenance program that makes sure you stay up to date. At the time of your buy a ConceptDraw product, you are able to purchase ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1. The ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program takes the guess work out of maintenance for your customers. Buy at the same time you buy your initial license, and when the next major upgrade becomes available the ConceptDraw Solution Browser will tell you immediately upon its availability. You can then select to download and install the new product release. This program delivers the next major upgrade that becomes available after your initial purchase. To purchase upgrades beyond the next major upgrade you would need to purchase the ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program for each major update release.

The benefit of the ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program is that you are purchasing the next major release, not an insurance policy that you may or may not be able to use.

How long have CS Odessa and ConceptDraw been around?

CS Odessa has been in business since 1993; we have sold in over 120 countries and have several hundred thousand users of our ConceptDraw products. We have always supported Macintosh and PC versions of all of our ConceptDraw products, which were launched in 1999. In 2009 and 2010 in we made the Software 500, a list of the 500 largest software developers worldwide. This list is published annually by Software Magazine.

I have questions on upgrades, maintenance and other types of pricing how do I find information, prices and how to qualify?

If you have any questions on the qualifications for product upgrades, academic pricing and qualifications, nonprofit pricing and qualifications or our previous support program please submit a ticket to support for a prompt response.

What are the major differences between ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7 and ConceptDraw MINDMAP 6?

There are many updates to ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7; below are a few of the product enhancements.

• Multiple presentations modes for map content are now available in ConceptDraw MINDMAP. ConceptDraw MINDMAP has the ability to present map content in a number of ways, the  presentation content can now displayed from inside ConceptDraw MINDMAP, ConceptDraw PRO, Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote
• The View Navigator panel has been added to manage how you present. You are able to drag and drop views into any order you want, as well as delete views. Now you can preview the selected area, branch or topic before presenting to an audience
• Filtering has been added to easily locate map content.
• Now you can import Mindjet MindManager (versions 7, 8, and 9) files and also export to the same format
• The new Input area of product allows you to start a defined process very quickly
• The new Output area of product allows you to easily output map content in many formats. For example one can export a two week check list with a click in the “Output” tab to print a formatted MS Word document
• Innovative map themes can be adapted to user needs. Map themes can be set for analyzing, brainstorming or presentations
• Drag left side screen bar towards the middle to display outline and map viewing modes side-by-side, work in either view at the same time
• Copy and paste a map, branch or topic from a map into ConceptDraw PROJECT. Copy and paste any tasks form ConceptDraw PROJECT to build a mind map
• Easy Output to Gantt Chart, Pert Chart, WBS (multiple page), Fishbone Diagram, and Org Chart (multiple pages) in ConceptDraw PRO
• Generate and email presentations to colleagues automatically
• Easy setup of matrix printing (up to 5×5, include cut marks if you wish), and preview how matrix will print across pages selected
• Automatically generate map reports, over twenty map reports available on milestones, and tasks
• Embed documents into topics
• Different pages of the same map file can have their own look-and-feel to visually identify them in ConceptDraw Page Navigator
• Windows version receives new Windows Ribbon Interface
• ConceptDraw Solution Browser makes it easy to update your product, submit a support ticket, and browse available plug-in solutions available for download from ConceptDraw Solution Park
• ConceptDraw Solution Park provides product extensibility. Many solutions are available as plug-ins; most of the solutions are available at no cost. Many business-specific solutions will be available in ConceptDraw Solution Park, such as solutions for Project Management and Strategy Development
• New high-value map templates

What operating systems are supported with ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7?

• For Mac, we support Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6 (Leopard and Snow Leopard) and 10.7 (Lion).
• NOTE: ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7 does not support Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
• For PC, we support Windows XP, Vista (32/64 bit), and 7 (32/64 bit)

What is the difference between Trial mode and Demo mode?

Trial mode functions exactly as a fully licensed copy of the product does. There are no limitations to functionality, like file size, printing, or exporting. You will have access to the fully functional Trial mode for 21 days from the time you register your account.

At any point during or after your trial, you can purchase an activation key from our website, one of our resellers, or by calling us directly.

After your trial has expired and you have not yet purchased an activation key, the product runs in Demo mode. In Demo mode, you will be able to create and edit documents, but all save, print, copy, and output options will be disabled.

I have a Mac and a PC, am I required to purchase two licenses of the product if I am the only user?

You only need one license per named user. This makes us an economical choice for people who use multiple systems.

Do you have quantity discounts?

Our first quantity discount comes at a purchase for 5 users. For purchases larger than 10 users, please contact us directly for a quote.

Do you offer special academic or nonprofit pricing?

We offer some very special discounts on ConceptDraw products for students and educators at K-12 and post-secondary institutions, as well as for employees of registered nonprofit organizations with 501(c) exemption status.

• If you would like to find out more about these great discounts, please submit a Help Desk ticket with information about your academic or nonprofit status
• If you are a student or faculty member, an academic email address (.edu) is acceptable. If you work for a nonprofit, a link to the company’s website and your email address at that domain is generally acceptable

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.

Click here to go to the HelpDesk and submit your academic or nonprofit information.

Has the price of ConceptDraw MINDMAP increased?

Yes, we have increased the price about 10% but you will find that we are still one of the lower-priced mind mapping products; combine that with no charge telephone/ticket support, and increased product extensibility through ConceptDraw Solution Park. The conclusion is clear that we are the market leader in customer value.

We have not increased the price of ConceptDraw MINDMAP for Projects (contains ConceptDraw MINDMAP and ConceptDraw PROJECT integrated with INGYRE2 technology) which is a real project management solution for real projects.

Also there has been no increase in price for ConceptDraw Office which adds ConceptDraw PRO to ConceptDraw MINDMAP for Projects. With the addition of ConceptDraw PRO, you are able to build dynamic scoreboards that reflect real time status of key performance indicators being tracked in your projects. ConceptDraw Office is a turnkey work flow software suite that is a mainstay component to many knowledge workers around the world.

Support for licensed users is at no charge, but what about maintenance to protect my investment? I want to make sure I get the next major release of ConceptDraw MINDMAP.

We have developed an innovative maintenance program that makes sure you stay up to date. At the time of your buy a ConceptDraw product, you are able to purchase ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1. The ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program takes the guess work out of maintenance for your customers.

It’s simple: regardless of when the next major update is released, you get it. When it becomes available, the ConceptDraw Solution Browser will tell you immediately. You can then select to download and install the new product release. This program delivers the next major upgrade that becomes available after your initial purchase. You then have the option to renew your ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 for the next major update as well. Since ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 is significantly less than the cost of a new license, potential saving over the use of your product is great.

The benefit of the ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program is that you are purchasing the next major release, not an insurance policy that you may or may not be able to use.

In addition to these benefits, ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 holders are entitled to priority support with phone, ticket, and email support.

How long have CS Odessa and ConceptDraw been around?

CS Odessa has been in business since 1993; we have sold in over 120 countries and have several hundred thousand users of our ConceptDraw products. We have always supported Macintosh and PC versions of all of our ConceptDraw products, which were launched in 1999. In 2009 and 2010 in we made the Software 500, a list of the 500 largest software developers worldwide. This list is published annually by Software Magazine.

I have questions on upgrades, maintenance and other types of pricing how do I find information, prices and how to qualify?

If you have any questions on the qualifications for product upgrades, academic pricing and qualifications, nonprofit pricing and qualifications or our previous support program please submit a ticket to support for a prompt response.

Wht are the major differences between ConceptDraw Office 2 and ConceptDraw Office 1?

There are 100’s of updates and improvements to ConceptDraw Office 2. Check individual products (ConceptDraw MINDMAP, ConceptDraw PROJECT and ConceptDraw PRO) to view a summary of the new functionality in each product.

What operating systems are supported with ConceptDraw Office 2?

• For Mac, we support Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6 (Leopard and Snow Leopard) and 10.7 (Lion).
• NOTE: ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7 does not support Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
• For PC, we support Windows XP, Vista (32/64 bit), and 7 (32/64 bit)

What is the difference between Trial mode and Demo mode?

Trial mode functions exactly as a fully licensed copy of the product does. There are no limitations to functionality, like file size, printing, or exporting. You will have access to the fully functional Trial mode for 21 days from the time you register your account.

At any point during or after your trial, you can purchase an activation key from our website, one of our resellers, or by calling us directly.

After your trial has expired and you have not yet purchased an activation key, the product runs in Demo mode. In Demo mode, you will be able to create and edit documents, but all save, print, copy, and output options will be disabled.

I have a Mac and a PC, am I required to purchase two licenses of the product if I am the only user?

You only need one license per named user. This makes us an economical choice for people who use multiple systems.

Do you have quantity discounts?

Our first quantity discount comes at a purchase for 5 users. For purchases larger than 10 users, please contact us directly for a quote.

Do you offer special academic or nonprofit pricing?

We offer some very special discounts on ConceptDraw products for students and educators at K-12 and post-secondary institutions, as well as for employees of registered nonprofit organizations with 501(c) exemption status.

• If you would like to find out more about these great discounts, please submit a Help Desk ticket with information about your academic or nonprofit status
• If you are a student or faculty member, an academic email address (.edu) is acceptable. If you work for a nonprofit, a link to the company’s website and your email address at that domain is generally acceptable

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.

Click here to go to the HelpDesk and submit your academic or nonprofit information.

Has the price of ConceptDraw Office increased?

No, we have not increased the price for ConceptDraw Office; combine that with no charge telephone/ticket support, and increased product extensibility through ConceptDraw Solution Park. The conclusion is clear that we are the market leader in customer value.

We have also not increased the price of ConceptDraw MINDMAP for Projects (contains our standalone ConceptDraw MINDMAP and ConceptDraw PROJECT integrated with INGYRE2 technology) which is a real project management solution for real projects.

The individual products ConceptDraw MINDMAP and ConceptDraw PROJECT have increased in list price approximately 10%.

Support for licensed users is free, but what about maintenance to protect my investment. I want to make sure I get the next major release of ConceptDraw Office?

We have developed an innovative maintenance program that makes sure you stay up to date. At the time of your buy a ConceptDraw product, you are able to purchase ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1. The ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program takes the guess work out of maintenance for your customers. Buy at the same time you buy your initial license, and when the next major upgrade becomes available he ConceptDraw Solution Browser will tell you immediately upon its availability. You can then select to download and install the new product release. This program delivers the next major upgrade that becomes available after your initial purchase. To purchase upgrades beyond the next major upgrade you would need to purchase the ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program for each major update release.

The benefit of the ConceptDraw Maintenance Assurance P1 program is that you are purchasing the next major release, not an insurance policy that you may or may not be able to use.

How long have CS Odessa and ConceptDraw been around?

CS Odessa has been in business since 1993; we have sold in over 120 countries and have several hundred thousand users of our ConceptDraw products. We have always supported Macintosh and PC versions of all of our ConceptDraw products, which were launched in 1999. In 2009 and 2010 in we made the Software 500, a list of the 500 largest software developers worldwide. This list is published annually by Software Magazine.

I have questions on upgrades, maintenance and other types of pricing how do I find information, prices and how to qualify?

If you have any questions on the qualifications for product upgrades, academic pricing and qualifications, nonprofit pricing and qualifications or our previous support program please submit a ticket to support for a prompt response.

ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7 solves the fundamental limitations of Mind Mapping 1.0, making it easier to share new content and meaning across an organization.

Do You Make Maps Only for Yourself?

In its earliest form, Mind Mapping 1.0 focused on personal use — maps were hand-written on paper, integrating color, images, and limited text. Authors used mind maps to produce outlines for a speech or to remember a complex set of ideas.

As useful as these maps were for authors, they did not support content sharing with others — the author possessed the only copy of the map, and getting anyone other than the author to understand the meaning of the map was often quite difficult.

One-to-Many Communication

Creating mind maps with software significantly increased their usefulness. It became easy for the author of a map to share content with many people by placing the maps on network drives or emailing them. Collaboration could occur by projecting a map onto a wall; a map author could share ideas with a team and gather input. However, even electronically produced maps often require the author to explain the meaning of the map to people who did not participate in the process.

Whatever the case was, Mind Map 1.0 maps, paper-based or electronic maps, often had important information trapped inside that never was shared. The MINDMAP 1.0 paradigm failed at rapid adoption because of the audience’s inability to understand what the author meant.

ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7 Introduces Mind Mapping 2.0 — Many-to-Many Communication

ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7 enables efficient and effective many-to-many communications.

Multiple Outputs — ConceptDraw MINDMAP supports the creation of multiple outputs from a single map with one click, making it possible to choose the specific document type that is appropriate for an audience, situation, or task.

Variety of Inputs — ConceptDraw MINDMAP supports many types of inputs, making it simple to organize and update information.

Intelligent Topics — ConceptDraw MINDMAP structures data to support domain-specific activities using intelligent topics to structure data for specific business processes.

Together, these attributes in ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7 make it possible for a map to be a pivotal point in managing organizational knowledge. The multiple forms of input bring rich data into a map, enabling the map author to organize and share the content in a variety of outputs. Many people can contribute to the map content through the input process, and a map’s effectiveness is enhanced by the quality of this data.

The bottom line is that ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7 makes it easy to communicate information clearly, quickly, and effectively. Test drive the first mind mapping 2.0 product, ConceptDraw MINDMAP 7.

After thinking about it some more, I realized that the biggest time saver is not one specific feature. I use a mind map for just about everything. I do not have to generate document after document — I create all of my outputs from a common source. I do not lose track of changes and I can spend my time getting work done instead of generating content.

The following are some examples of what I accomplished with ConceptDraw MINDMAP in one week.

Monday

Mondays are when I get organized and plan for the week. The first thing I do is open my time management map and generate my task list, produce status report, and review my personal goals list.

This simple feature is one of my favorites. I always add new tasks to my map and track them; however, to have a clear overview of what I need to get done, I generate a two week task list. I get a table of what I need to accomplish each day for the next two weeks, so I do not forget what I need to do, and I can plan my time effectively.

Reporting Status

I like to create my status reports early in the week, so I can really focus on what I need to do. From the same map, I use for my two week task list, I also generate a status report and output it to Microsoft Word. Creating this report uses many of the different project management solutions I can download from ConceptDraw MINDMAP. The report lists my tasks, my percent complete, and my specific notes for each task. My manager is always impressed with the level of detail and the fact that nothing falls off my radar screen.

Reviewing My Personal Growth Plan

In daily work, it is easy to lose track of my long term goals. So I make time every week to track them and make sure I am not straying from my goals. This review also uses my time management map, and I can review where I am and make sure I’m progressing the way I want to.

All of this work takes less than an hour, and I can generate all of the output with one click. By the time I’m ready for my next cup of coffee, I know exactly what I need to do this week and where I am going.

Tuesday

On Tuesday, I worked on project management issues. First, I needed to write an report analyzing resource allocations and budgets for long-term planning. Second, I needed to determine the impact of adding new requirements for one project.

Creating Analysis Report

Over the years, I have written dozens of analysis reports. I had to dig through old project charts and spreadsheets and spend days recompiling data in new spreadsheets to do my analysis. The analytical work took less time than consolidating the actual data. Formatting slides to share with people added even more time to the effort.

With ConceptDraw MINDMAP, I input that data into a map and began to organize it in one document, so I got to the actual analysis part much faster than in previous years.

After a morning’s work, I had a rich outline and initial conclusions I could share with my manager. I exported the map content to PowerPoint so I could show my manager how to present the results to the management team.

I updated this report easily using a one click data refresh, reviewing the data, and generating a new report. I suggested we generate this report bi-weekly so we can analyze our resource loads and schedule progress and take quick corrective action if necessary.

Determining the Impact of a Change Requirement

Our business analysts determined that we must add a significant feature set to a product under development. Our competition has announced comparable functionality, and we need to stay competitive. I sent an email last week to the team leads asking for their input, including risks, costs, and schedule impacts.

Tuesday afternoon, I started inputting their data. Gathering information from their spreadsheets, I combined all the cost impacts into one topic on the map. Similarly, I quickly analyzed the resources required to absorb the change. I also input scheduling information from Gantt charts. In input all of this data with one click. I was also able to copy and paste comments from emails and MS Word documents and then consolidate overlapping information.

When I was done, I knew what the impact was. I gave my manager the project plan in a Word document that I outputted with ConceptDraw MINDMAP. Next week we will present the results to the change management board. For that meeting, I will present directly from ConceptDraw MINDMAP because I want the team to see all the data in context and PowerPoint is too limited for that type of group analysis.

Wednesday

Wednesdays are my day to get ready for Thursday’s team meeting. By now, I have everyone’s status reports, and I can create the agenda. The meetings follow a standard agenda:

• Create the agenda
• Share status from the previous week
• Review action items
• Look ahead for the next two weeks
• New issues
• Assign action items

Creating the Agenda

This first step is easy — I just open the map from last week’s meeting. I can reorganize content or copy and paste, and my new agenda is ready. I can save last week’s meeting as a separate topic too — if I need to open it up during the meeting, I have this content.

Resolving Issues

I can see we will have to spend about 20 minutes resolving issues. I like doing this in the team meetings because everyone is there.

I leave a topic for new action items. My agenda is ready to go in less than 15 minutes. I also look forward to using my project map to record information during tomorrow’s meeting.

Sending Out the Agenda

When I’m done, I can output the map to Word and email it directly to my team.

Thursday

On Thursdays, I have my 10 am team meeting. Because I was prepared, I spent the first hour of the day answering email.

Leading Team Meetings with ConceptDraw MINDMAP

Because I know that my project map contains all the data I need, plus my agenda, I can present from the map by adding having selected the topics I wanted to display ahead of time. Then, ConceptDraw MINDMAP produces slides, and I can click from slide to slide during a presentation.

Full Screen Mode Lets Me Edit During Presentations

What I really like, is that I can show these slides in Full Screen Mode and still edit the map. When a team member says something I want to record, I add it to the map without exiting the presentation.

Creating Instant Presentations Using Keywords

In the course of discussing an issue, I like to focus on a key idea. When this happens, I instantly create a presentation without preparing slides. I save much time and I can respond quickly to discussion points. I enter a Keyword onto a toolbar and ConceptDraw MINDMAP highlights all occurrences of that keyword on the map, so we can quickly review all relevant data.

Making Decisions with ConceptDraw MINDMAP Project Management Solutions

I often initiate quick brainstorming sessions to resolve issues and make decisions. I start a timed brainstorming session and, after about 15 minutes, we are ready to weigh two different options. I also like to use a fishbone diagram solution from the ConceptDraw Solution Park. We get results during the meeting, when everyone is there, without having to call another meeting.

Two Week Planning

At the end of the meeting, I generate a two week agenda. We can see exactly what needs to be done, by whom, and by when and status of each task. People leave the room knowing exactly what to expect.

Distributing Notes

My favorite part of leading meetings with ConceptDraw MINDMAP is the final step. I output to Word, email the document to the team, and then I save my map. My agenda, updates, decisions, and new action items are all in one document. Next Wednesday I can open it up again and plan my next meeting. Managing project data from one document is fast.

Friday

Friday is my “clean up” and one-on-one meeting day.

Leading One-On-One Meetings

ConceptDraw MINDMAP has made it very easy for me to stay on top of my one-on-one meetings. Instead of maintaining agendas and information in a new document every week for each team member, I use filters from my project map and highlight specific tasks assigned to a person or review key issues using keyword presentations.

During the meeting, I discuss and update status, add new information, and track issues. When I share this map with the team or other members, I filter out specific information, so I am always able to focus on what is important without generating new documents.

Reviewing the Week’s Progress

After my one-on-one meetings, I have the most current information. I regenerate and review my two week task list. If items require attention before the weekend, I generate a quick memo from the map and email it to the team.

The Week in Review

Whether I am working with an individual, a team, or by myself, I use ConceptDraw MINDMAP to input and output data, organize my thoughts, make presentations, and lead meetings. The input capabilities make it easy to stay on top of everything, and the flexible output and presentation solutions allow me to create output with one click. Full Screen Edit Mode also enables me to capture input during a meeting and add it to the map.

As a result, all of my data is current. I am on top of everything, and I get more work done than I could without ConceptDraw MINDMAP.

Many of us are asked to present information regularly. We just do not think about them as presentations. Most of the time, we distribute printouts or project source files onto a screen. We use documents, spreadsheets, and Gantt charts to share this information. However, because authoring tools are not presentation tools, the communication remains unidirectional and non-interactive.

This limitation ultimately represents a great loss. Presentations have a limited ability to incorporate feedback immediately to advance team efforts. New presentations must be developed and new meetings must be called to present the information you could have developed and shared immediately.

What if you could develop and present content with a single authoring tool? What if this tool was designed to input content, help you organize it, and then to present it to audiences in such a way that their input could be easily incorporated? What if you could leave a presentation, and it already contains the updated information? What if everyone was better equipped to resume their work, knowing they all shared common content of what was just discussed?

Using a Mind Map as a Presentation Platform

Most people who use mind maps know that they offer the potential for interactive presentations. With a mind map, you can easily brainstorm, add status updates, expand a topic, and add content.

Although mind maps offer a rich presentation platform, challenges still to be overcome. How difficult is it to input data from external sources to a map? How difficult is it to update that content? After you add your input and shape a map to reflect your thinking, sharing the content can be difficult.

What if your audience does not use or understand mind maps? Generating specific content for a presentation still requires developing presentation content separate from its source. What if you want to share only a portion of a map during a presentation?

ConceptDraw MINDMAP Offers Next Generation of Mind Map Presentation

ConceptDraw MINDMAP builds on the power of presenting with mind maps and overcomes their limitations. Inputting data, whether from external sources or team input has never been easier. As a result, your mind map presentations offer rich relevant data.

However, the real differentiator is the variety of presentation styles. Because you have a variety of presentation options, you can choose the type of presentation that meets your needs.

Now you can create default presentations with one click, navigating logically bit by bit through your map. By using the View Navigator, you can select, order, and review content from a default presentation for a specific audience. By using Mouse Selections or Keywords, you create custom presentations for a specific audience or focus on specific issues.

Full Screen Edit Mode Promotes Interaction

The most important breakthrough for interactive presentations is the ability to edit presentations when you are in Full Screen presentation mode. Full Screen presentations accomplish three things — they give your presentation a professional polished look, they focus on content and not on the application, and they present a large image. Many presentation tools do not support editing in Full Screen mode. With these tools, you must exit the presentation; make a change, and start over. The ability to edit in presentation mode promotes interactive sessions.

ConceptDraw MINDMAP solves this limitation with Full Screen Edit Mode. Now you can still use a full screen display using keyboard shortcuts and mouse clicks to input feedback from your audience. Combined with the choice of presentation solutions now available to you, you can create truly interactive presentations that meet your audience’s needs, share just the content you require, and edit the presentation immediately from a single source map without having to develop separate presentation collateral.

Choose Your Presentation Style

Presentations that channel information only from the speaker to an audience are a dead end. Information is shared; however, active ownership of that information is not necessarily transferred to your audience. There remains a gap between the state of the presentation’s source file and the outcome of a discussion.

With traditional presentation tools, you cannot prepare presentations from your source document, and because you need much time to prepare, you invest less time delivering content that is appropriate for your audience. Reusing traditional presentations is impossible because the information you use is constantly evolving.

Interactive presentations engage your audience, improve your communication, reduce ambiguity, and increase buy-in. As a presenter, you can tap into your audience’s knowledge and immediately incorporate their feedback. ConceptDraw MINDMAP makes creating interactive presentations quick and easy by providing you with the power to convey just the correct information to your target audience without reconfiguring or redeveloping your content.