SMARTDRAW IN EDUCATION:

Student Selects SmartDraw Over Visio^® for Network Diagrams

Eric Hamilton is a student at University of Alaska, Anchorage. In his computer networking class, his main project was to design a network that implemented everything he'd been taught in class, including the use of standard methods and coherent design.

Eric knew he needed an easy way to create a detailed, polished-looking network diagram. He searched Google for drawing and schematics programs, and found SmartDraw.

"I was ecstatic to learn that SmartDraw would get the job done at a reasonable price…and, it allowed me to download a trial version to evaluate before I purchased," said Eric. "I didn't need much time to try it though…I downloaded it that very same night."

Eric learned that SmartDraw automates the process of creating virtually any sort of technical schematic, such as network diagrams, quickly and easily. Unlike other programs that provide users with a blank screen and expect them to draw, such as MS Visio^®, with SmartDraw, users select from a template that is specifically designed to create the type of illustration they need. For example, SmartDraw contains hundreds of templates for network diagrams, engineering schematics, software design, and more.

"SmartDraw offered the best selection of features for the price," said Eric. "I was up and running with SmartDraw in minutes, whereas the other programs I tried had a much higher learning curve and fewer intuitive features."

SmartDraw allows users to select an appropriate template, and then enter in the relevant information. The software does the rest: building the graphic automatically using built-in rules and professional design themes to guarantee polished, presentation-quality results in just a few minutes.

"SmartDraw's output was by far the best—that definitely clinched the sale for me," said Eric. "I wanted something that looked professional, and SmartDraw delivered."

In addition, SmartDraw features one-click export to popular document types like PDF and MS Word^® and PowerPoint^®, making it easy to share SmartDraw diagrams with others. Eric says that his teacher was very impressed with his output.

"My instructor found my charts easy to read and understand, and used them as models for the class," said Eric.

His classmates were also impressed.

"Some of the other students struggled with the school-provided alternatives, like Visio^® or PowerPoint^®, and others attempted to hand-draw their diagrams," said Eric. "But after they saw my creations in SmartDraw, many decided to make the switch."

Eric says that using SmartDraw for his class saves him hours of work, because he was able to focus on the project, not the tool.

"Being able to use clean, accurate images to quickly create working documents is a lifesaver," said Eric. "I know several people that used other tools such as Visio^® and PowerPoint^®, and they spent up to 8 hours creating their initial projects. I spent half that time!"

Eric continues to recommend SmartDraw every chance he gets.

"SmartDraw is an invaluable tool at an affordable price," said Eric. "I consider it a critical part of my software toolbox."