SmartDraw 2010

SmartDraw is the World's Most Popular Business Graphics Software. SmartDraw 2010 translates whatever you need to communicate into compelling, professional-quality visuals in minutes—eliminating the need for manual drawing. Start by selecting the exact template you need, add your message and SmartDraw does the rest.
SmartDraw 2010 was designed to help businesses be more productive by distributing the planning process, documenting company knowledge and improving their presentations. It lets users turn flowcharts, PowerPoints, floors plans, and business presentations into compelling visuals (users can discard expensive Microsoft software add-ons). Users can animate a .PPT using thousands of smart templates, theme slides, a story board and effects.
This version features a simple and easy integration with Microsoft Visio and SharePoint collaboration. SmartDraw 2010 allows businesses to leverage the power of visual communications with efficiency and ease.

Features:

This review was previously written using the 2008 version of SmartDraw. The look and feel of SmartDraw 2010 will be familiar to users of prior versions, however the user interface is more polished, including a sleeker opening page with large icons to select your new project type or a pre-built template. The most common project types are grouped under the Basics folder and recent documents are presented as large thumbnail previews. The 2010 version of SmartDraw makes a strong case for business consumers on its ability to enhance the overall collaboration and visual communication for their employees. Some of the most compelling features are:  

• Enhanced interface for project management. Import/export MS Project files.
• Enhanced PowerPoint integration with built in sequencing.
• Integration with Sharepoint for easier collaboration.
• Automatic Flowcharting - flowcharts are built using simple commands. Shapes are placed with lines drawn automatically. The flowchart is spaced and aligned automatically as it is created.
• Automatic Graphic Design - graphic themes specifying colors, line and type style can be automatically applied to each project. This feature quickly gives your project a unified, professional look.
• One-Step Charts and Picture Charts - charts and graphs can be built without creating a spreadsheet first. Users can create charts using pictures or images to display data.
• Live Maps - captures live Google map data from the Internet allowing users to easily incorporate roads, counties, and zip codes into their project. I see this as an amazing time-saver.