SMARTDRAW IN INTERNET DATABASE SOLUTIONS:

Creating Flowcharts & Network Diagrams with SmartDraw

Data Overflow
Running your own company specializing in Internet database solutions and Web applications is no easy job. Just ask Jim Miotke, President and CEO of idbDeveloper.com. Miotke wanted to simplify his work by finding a diagramming tool to help him draw organization charts and application flowcharts for clients.

"I am an experienced and registered user of Visio^® and AutoCAD, but wanted something better," said Miotke.

Miotke did a search on the Internet and found SmartDraw, which allows users to try the software free.

"I downloaded the trial version, and the rest is history," he said.

Chaos Organized
SmartDraw is designed for immediate use, with simple drag-and-drop drawing and automatic formatting. Miotke was able to dive right in.

"SmartDraw has an intuitive, user-friendly interface," he said. "It's as easy as drag-and-drop. Before you know it, you'll find skills you never knew you had!"

Not everyone is as tech-savvy as Miotke, so for first-timers who need more guidance, SmartDraw also offers plenty of help. The SmartDraw.com website is rich with step-by-step tutorials, and the product offers insightful pop-up hints (that can be turned off as users gain more experience.)

"The tutorials are plentiful and robust, and the website provides quick answers to most questions and concerns," said Miotke.

SmartDraw offers hundreds of symbols and templates for users involved in information technology and software design. Miotke quickly discovered the Business & Charting, Mechanical Engineering, Network Design and Software Design symbol collections and used them to create professional-looking diagrams.

"I'm currently creating a network diagram for my Microsoft Windows^® project," he said. "I'm diagramming the entire network-everything from the routers, hubs and switches to the wall jacks and server names."

Is he happy with the look of his diagrams so far?

"Absolutely," said Miotke.

Picture Perfect Network
Miotke says that SmartDraw was worth every penny, and then some.

"Dollar for dollar, there's no product on the market that has the ROI that SmartDraw has, period!" he said. "It beats the competition hands down."

Miotke now uses SmartDraw weekly, and he's still finding lots to love.

"I love the Windows^®-like interface, the Print Preview, the layering capabilities, and Spell Check," he said. "And I constantly use the SmartDraw Explorer for quick searches of the libraries, templates, and symbols. I live by that thing!"

According to Miotke, SmartDraw is an excellent tool for users with virtually any skill level.

"SmartDraw empowers its users, whether experts or novices, to create quality graphics," he said. "It's a 5-star design tool!"