Microsoft Visio 2007 Professional vs. Microsoft Visio 2007 Standard

Attribute	Microsoft Visio 2007 Professional	Microsoft Visio 2007 Standard
Price	Higher	Lower
Advanced Diagramming Features	Yes	No
Database Connectivity	Yes	No
Integration with other Microsoft Products	Strong	Strong
Customizable Templates	Extensive	Limited
Collaboration Tools	Yes	Yes
Import/Export Formats	Wide Range	Standard Formats
Shape Data	Advanced	Basic
Process Mapping	Advanced	Basic

Introduction

Microsoft Visio 2007 is a powerful diagramming and vector graphics application that allows users to create a wide range of visual representations, from flowcharts and organizational charts to network diagrams and floor plans. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Microsoft Visio 2007 Professional and Microsoft Visio 2007 Standard, two editions of the software that offer different features and capabilities.

User Interface

Both Visio 2007 Professional and Visio 2007 Standard share a similar user interface, providing a familiar experience for users. The ribbon interface, introduced in Microsoft Office 2007, is present in both editions, making it easy to navigate and access various tools and features. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly create and edit diagrams.

However, Visio 2007 Professional offers additional features in the ribbon interface that are not available in the Standard edition. These additional features include advanced diagramming tools, such as the ability to create and edit complex shapes, as well as enhanced formatting options for diagrams. These extra features in the Professional edition provide users with more flexibility and control over their diagrams.

Templates and Shapes

Both Visio 2007 Professional and Visio 2007 Standard come with a wide range of templates and shapes that users can utilize to create their diagrams. These templates and shapes cover various industries and purposes, including business, engineering, network, and more. Users can easily customize these templates and shapes to suit their specific needs.

However, Visio 2007 Professional offers a larger selection of templates and shapes compared to the Standard edition. This expanded library of templates and shapes in the Professional edition allows users to find more specialized options for their diagrams, saving time and effort in creating visually appealing and accurate representations.

Data Linking and Integration

One of the key differences between Visio 2007 Professional and Visio 2007 Standard lies in their data linking and integration capabilities. Visio 2007 Professional allows users to link their diagrams to external data sources, such as Excel spreadsheets or Access databases. This enables users to create dynamic diagrams that update automatically when the underlying data changes.

On the other hand, Visio 2007 Standard does not offer this data linking and integration feature. Users of the Standard edition can still manually update their diagrams when the data changes, but they do not have the convenience and efficiency of automatic updates provided by the Professional edition.

Collaboration and Sharing

Both Visio 2007 Professional and Visio 2007 Standard allow users to collaborate and share their diagrams with others. Users can easily save their diagrams in various file formats, such as PDF or JPEG, making it simple to share them with colleagues or clients who may not have Visio installed.

However, Visio 2007 Professional offers additional collaboration features that are not available in the Standard edition. These features include the ability to co-author diagrams in real-time, allowing multiple users to work on the same diagram simultaneously. The Professional edition also provides advanced commenting and reviewing tools, making it easier for teams to collaborate and provide feedback on diagrams.

Advanced Diagram Types

Visio 2007 Professional includes advanced diagram types that are not available in the Standard edition. These advanced diagram types include software and database diagrams, as well as engineering and architectural diagrams. These specialized diagram types cater to specific industries and professions, providing users with the tools they need to create accurate and detailed representations.

While Visio 2007 Standard offers a wide range of basic diagram types, it lacks the advanced diagram types found in the Professional edition. Users of the Standard edition may find themselves limited in their ability to create certain types of diagrams, especially if they work in industries that require specialized representations.

Price and Licensing

Visio 2007 Professional is typically priced higher than Visio 2007 Standard due to its additional features and capabilities. The Professional edition is aimed at users who require advanced diagramming tools and integration capabilities, making it suitable for professionals and organizations with more complex diagramming needs.

On the other hand, Visio 2007 Standard offers a more affordable option for users who do not require the advanced features of the Professional edition. It provides a solid set of diagramming tools and templates that can meet the needs of most users, making it a cost-effective choice for individuals and small businesses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Microsoft Visio 2007 Professional and Microsoft Visio 2007 Standard are powerful diagramming tools that offer a range of features and capabilities. The Professional edition provides additional advanced diagramming tools, a larger library of templates and shapes, data linking and integration capabilities, enhanced collaboration features, and specialized diagram types. However, the Standard edition still offers a solid set of diagramming tools and templates at a more affordable price point. The choice between the two editions ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the user or organization.