Article ID: 896660
Article Last Modified on 5/9/2007
APPLIES TO
- Microsoft Office Visio Professional 2007
- Microsoft Office Visio Standard 2007
- Microsoft Office Visio Professional 2003
- Microsoft Office Visio Standard 2003
SUMMARY
Microsoft Visio is a universal graphics program that provides the right tools to visualize most business tasks and technical tasks by using one easy-to-use product. Microsoft Office Visio 2003 and Microsoft Office Visio 2007 let all kinds of business, engineering, and information technology (IT) users create and share diagrams of processes, of systems, and of numeric data. Visio illustrations make it easier to do the following:
- Communicate information
- Build consensus across an organization
- Optimize business processes
- Design and configure complex systems
- Monitor and maintain IT systems
INTRODUCTION
This article compares Microsoft Office Visio Standard 2007 to Microsoft Office Visio Professional 2007 and compares Microsoft Office Visio Standard 2003toMicrosoft Office Visio Professional 2003so that you can easily determine which edition is best for you.
MORE INFORMATION
Visio Standard 2007
Visio Standard 2007 is best for business users who have to visualize, to document, to communicate, and to share ideas by using professional-looking flowcharts, office layouts, organization charts, project timelines, and more.
Many features in Visio Standard 2007 streamline diagramming tasks to improve productivity and to help you communicate more effectively. These new features help you perform the following tasks:
- Brainstorm ideas
Export brainstorming diagrams to Microsoft Office Word documents in outline form to easily organize and communicate ideas generated in meetings.
- Chart your organization
Insert pictures and dotted-line relationships into organization charts to show employee pictures and important reporting structures.
- Schedule activities
Generate calendars by importing Outlook calendar data into Office Visio 2007 for easy viewing and reference.
- Track project progress
Split activities among multiple timelines and synchronize them for clearer illustrations.
- Visualize business processes
Use specific tools and diagram types to support any business process documentation effort.
Note For more information about the features in Visio Standard 2007, review the feature comparison chart and the diagram comparison charts in the "Feature comparison of Visio Standard 2007 and Visio Professional 2007" and "Diagram comparison of Visio Standard 2007 and Visio Professional 2007" sections.
Visio Professional 2007
Professionals in IT, in engineering, and in software development benefit from the diagramming solutions in Visio Professional 2007 that are targeted to those specific domain needs. Business professionals who want to link any diagram to business data can also benefit from the new Data Link functionality in Visio Professional 2007.
Visio Professional 2007 includes all the business diagramming tools that are included in Visio Standard 2007 together with additional comprehensive technical solutions and advanced functionality. Use Visio Professional 2007 to create high-value diagrams by using the following features, templates, and solutions:
- Data Link and Data Graphics functionality
Integrate data with diagrams to combine disparate sources of complex visual, textual, and numeric information. Do this to provide visual context for data and to create a complete picture of a system, a resource, or a process. You can display data fields as callouts next to a shape, position fields in boxes under a shape, or show symbols that represent data. - PivotDiagram template
Visualize and explore business data in a hierarchical form that displays data groups and subtotals. Determine the key messages in all the data, and visually communicate them with other users in your organization. - Value Stream Map template
Create diagrams based on Lean Methodology, and visualize manufacturing processes to make efficiency gains. - Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) template
Diagram IT service processes that comply with ITIL standards. - Network diagram templates
Diagram logical and physical network diagrams. This includes rack diagrams. - Web development templates
Create site maps of existing Web sites by using templates and predefined shapes. Generate reports of site links. This includes broken links. Alternatively, use reporting tools to determine which changes have occurred in a site since the site was last diagrammed. - Software development templates
Diagram custom software solutions by using the Microsoft Windows XP User Interface template, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) template, and other templates. - Architectural plans, engineering schematics, facilities management, and database modeling
Create various technical diagrams. These diagrams include the following diagrams:- Floor, space, and site plans
- Engineering schematics
- Facilities management diagrams
- Database models
Note For more information about the features in Visio Professional 2007, review the feature comparison chart and the diagram comparison charts in the "Feature comparison of Visio Standard 2007 and Visio Professional 2007" and "Diagram comparison of Visio Standard 2007 and Visio Professional 2007" sections.
Visio Standard 2003
Visio Standard 2003 is best for business users who have to visualize, to document, to communicate, and to share ideas by using attention-grabbing flowcharts, office layouts, organization charts, project timelines, and more.
Many new features in Visio Standard 2003 streamline diagramming tasks to improve productivity and help you communicate more effectively. These new features include the following features:
- Brainstorming drawings
Export a brainstorming-style diagram to a Microsoft Word document in outline form to easily organize and communicate ideas that are generated in meetings.
- Organization charts
Insert pictures and dotted-line relationships into organization charts to show employee pictures and important reporting structures.
- Calendars
Generate a calendar by importing Microsoft Outlook calendar data into Visio 2003 for easy viewing and reference.
- Timelines
Split activities between multiple timelines, and synchronize the timelines for clearer illustrations.
- Business process diagramming category
Use the many specific tools and diagram types to support any business process documentation task.
Note For more information about the features in Visio Standard 2003, review the feature comparison chart and the diagram comparison charts in the "Feature comparison of Visio Standard 2003 and Visio Professional 2003" and "Diagram comparison of Visio Standard 2003 and Visio Professional 2003" sections.
Visio Professional 2003
Visio 2003 Professional provides diagramming solutions that benefit professionals in IT, in engineering, and in software development. Visio Professional 2003 includes all the business diagramming tools of Visio Standard 2003 together with additional comprehensive technical solutions and drawing solutions.
Use Visio Professional 2003 to create high-value diagrams by using the following new and improved features:
- Networks
A rack diagram drawing type and updated network shapes
- Web development
An improved Web site mapping solution
- Software development
A Microsoft Windows XP user interface (UI) drawing type
- Architecture/engineering/facilities
Improved support for incorporating data into a building plan
Note For more information about the features in Visio Professional 2003, review the feature comparison chart and the diagram comparison charts in the "Feature comparison of Visio Standard 2003 and Visio Professional 2003" and "Diagram comparison of Visio Standard 2003 and Visio Professional 2003" sections.
Feature comparison of Visio Standard 2007 and Visio Professional 2007
| Features | Standard | Professional |
| AutoConnect functionality |
X
|
X
|
| Autodesk AutoCAD capabilities |
X
|
X
|
| Brainstorming diagrams |
X
|
X
|
| Business process diagrams |
X
|
X
|
| Clip art integration |
X
|
X
|
| Context-sensitive Help and links to task-specific templates |
X
|
X
|
| Flowcharts |
X
|
X
|
| Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 integration |
X
|
X
|
| Microsoft Office Project integration with Visio Gantt charts and timelines |
X
|
X
|
| Microsoft Office SharePoint Server integration through Document Workspaces |
X
|
X
|
| Microsoft Visual Studio programming support (this includes Microsoft .NET) |
X
|
X
|
| Multilanguage and complete Unicode support |
X
|
X
|
| Organization charts |
X
|
X
|
| PDF and XPS file support |
X
|
X
|
| Review mode |
X
|
X
|
| Save as Web page with navigation controls |
X
|
X
|
| Shape customization |
X
|
X
|
| Shape data reporting |
X
|
X
|
| Microsoft Tablet PC support (this includes digital ink) |
X
|
X
|
| Theme support |
X
|
X
|
| Timelines and calendars |
X
|
X
|
| Wizards for generating diagrams from existing data |
X
|
X
|
| Workflow shapes (3-D) |
X
|
X
|
| XML Web services integration |
X
|
X
|
| Building, space, and floor plans |
X
| |
| Data-driven solution support (this includes data-related APIs) |
X
| |
| Data Link functionality |
X
| |
| Database modeling diagrams with reverse engineering of any Open Database Connectivity–compliant data source |
X
| |
| Directory services diagrams |
X
| |
| Engineering diagrams (electrical, chemical, and more) |
X
| |
| ITIL diagrams |
X
| |
| Logical network diagrams |
X
| |
| Network rack diagrams |
X
| |
| PivotDiagrams |
X
| |
| Sample diagrams |
X
| |
| Software diagramming and reverse engineering |
X
| |
| Value stream maps |
X
| |
| Web site mapping and documentation (this includes auto-generation of Web site maps) |
X
|
For more information about the features in Visio Standard 2007 and in Visio Professional 2007, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
Feature comparison of Visio Standard 2003 and Visio Professional 2003
| Features | Standard | Professional |
| Available in 17 languages |
X
|
X
|
| Microsoft Office appearance and behavior |
X
|
X
|
| Microsoft Windows SharePoint integration |
X
|
X
|
| Tablet PC support that includes digital ink |
X
|
X
|
| Intelligent SmartShapes symbols |
X
|
X
|
| Integrated local and online shape search |
X
|
X
|
| Custom properties for shapes |
X
|
X
|
| Shape hyperlinks |
X
|
X
|
| Property reporting |
X
|
X
|
| Save Web pages with navigation controls and a property viewer |
X
|
X
|
| Review mode |
X
|
X
|
| Export to common graphics formats |
X
|
X
|
| Drag-and-drop diagramming |
X
|
X
|
| Wizards to generate diagrams from existing data |
X
|
X
|
| Context-sensitive help and links to task-specific drawing types on the Web |
X
|
X
|
| Microsoft .NET programmability support |
X
|
X
|
| ActiveX drawing control |
X
|
X
|
| XML Web services integration |
X
|
X
|
| Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) |
X
|
X
|
| Visual Basic macro recorder |
X
|
X
|
For more information about the features in Visio Standard 2003 and in Visio Professional 2003, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
Diagram comparison of Visio Standard 2007 and Visio Professional 2007
Diagrams that are created in Visio 2007 enable you to visualize, to explore, and to communicate information effectively. The following tables show the diagram types that are included in each Visio 2007 edition.
The diagram types in the tables are organized by using the same categories that are shown in the "Getting Started" window that appears when you start Visio 2007.
Note The template categories and diagram types that are listed here are included with Visio Professional 2007. If you see fewer categories and diagram types, you are using Visio Standard 2007.
The following tables list Visio 2007-supported diagram types for Visio Standard 2007 and for Visio Professional 2007.
Business
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Audit Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Basic Flowchart |
X
|
X
|
| Brainstorming Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Cause and Effect Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Charts and Graphs |
X
|
X
|
| Cross-Functional Flowchart |
X
|
X
|
| Data-Flow Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| EPC Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Fault Tree Analysis Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| ITIL Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Marketing Charts and Diagrams |
'
|
X
|
| Organization Chart |
X
|
X
|
| PivotDiagram |
'
|
X
|
| TQM Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Value Stream Map |
'
|
X
|
| Work Flow Diagram |
X
|
X
|
Engineering
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Basic Electrical |
X
| |
| Circuits and Logic |
X
| |
| Fluid Power |
X
| |
| Industrial Control Systems |
X
| |
| Part and Assembly Drawing |
X
| |
| Piping and Instrumentation |
'
|
X
|
| Process Flow Diagram |
X
| |
| Systems |
X
|
Flowchart
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Basic Flowchart |
X
|
X
|
| Cross-Functional Flowchart |
X
|
X
|
| IDEF0 Diagram |
'
|
X
|
| SDL Diagram |
'
|
X
|
| Work Flow Diagram |
X
|
X
|
General
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Basic Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Basic Flowchart |
X
|
X
|
| Block Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Block Diagram with Perspective |
X
|
X
|
Maps and floor plans
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Directional Map |
X
|
X
|
| Directional Map 3-D |
X
|
X
|
| Floor Plan |
'
|
X
|
| Home Plan |
'
|
X
|
| HVAC Control Logic Diagram |
'
|
X
|
| HVAC Plan |
'
|
X
|
| Office Layout |
X
|
X
|
| Plant Layout |
'
|
X
|
| Plumbing and Piping Plan |
'
|
X
|
| Reflected Ceiling Plan |
'
|
X
|
| Security and Access Plan |
'
|
X
|
| Site Plan |
'
|
X
|
| Space Plan |
'
|
X
|
Network
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Active Directory |
'
|
X
|
| Basic Network Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Conceptual Web Site |
'
|
X
|
| Detailed Network Diagram |
'
|
X
|
| LDAP Directory |
'
|
X
|
| Rack Diagram |
'
|
X
|
| Web Site Map |
'
|
X
|
Schedule
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Calendar |
X
|
X
|
| Gantt Chart |
X
|
X
|
| PERT Chart |
X
|
X
|
| Timeline |
X
|
X
|
Software and database
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| COM and OLE |
'
|
X
|
| Conceptual Web Site |
'
|
X
|
| Database Model Diagram |
'
|
X
|
| Data Flow Model Diagram |
'
|
X
|
| Enterprise Application |
'
|
X
|
| Express-G |
'
|
X
|
| Jackson |
'
|
X
|
| ORM Diagram |
'
|
X
|
| Program Structure |
'
|
X
|
| ROOM |
'
|
X
|
| Web Site Map |
'
|
X
|
| Windows XP User Interface |
'
|
X
|
| UML Model Diagram |
'
|
X
|
Diagram examples
For examples of the diagrams that are included in Visio Standard 2007 and in Visio Professional 2007, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
Diagram comparison of Visio Standard 2003 and Visio Professional 2003
Visio 2003 diagrams let you think through, organize, and better understand complex ideas, processes, and systems. The following tables list Visio 2003-supported diagram types for Visio Standard 2003 and for Visio Professional 2003.
Block diagrams
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Basic Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Block Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Block Diagram with Perspective |
X
|
X
|
| Brainstorming Diagram |
X
|
X
|
Building plans
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Electrical and Telecom Plan |
X
| |
| Floor Plan |
X
| |
| Home Plan |
X
| |
| HVAC Control Logic Diagram |
X
| |
| HVAC Plan |
X
| |
| Office Layout |
X
|
X
|
| Plant Layout |
X
| |
| Plumbing and Piping Plan |
X
| |
| Reflected Ceiling Plan |
X
| |
| Security and Access Plan |
X
| |
| Site Plan |
X
| |
| Space Plan |
X
|
Business processes
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Audit Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Basic Flowchart |
X
|
X
|
| Cause and Effect Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Cross Functional Flowchart |
X
|
X
|
| Data Flow Diagram |
X
| |
| Fault Tree Analysis Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Work Flow Diagram |
X
|
X
|
Charts and graphs
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Charts and Graphs |
X
|
X
|
| Marketing Charts and Diagrams |
X
|
X
|
Database modeling
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Database Model Diagram |
X
| |
| Express-G |
X
| |
| ORM Diagram |
X
|
Electrical engineering
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Basic Electrical |
X
| |
| Circuits and Logic |
X
| |
| Industrial Control Systems |
X
| |
| Systems |
X
|
Flowcharts
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Basic Flowchart |
X
|
X
|
| Cross Functional Flowchart |
X
|
X
|
| Data Flow Diagram |
X
| |
| IDEFO Diagram |
X
| |
| SDL Diagram |
X
|
Maps
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Directional Map |
X
|
X
|
| Directional Map 3D |
X
|
X
|
Mechanical engineering
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Fluid Power |
X
| |
| Parts and Assembly Drawing |
X
|
Network diagrams
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Active Directory |
X
| |
| Basic Network Diagram |
X
|
X
|
| Detailed Network Diagram |
X
| |
| LDAP Directory |
X
| |
| Novell Directory Services |
X
| |
| Rack Diagram |
X
|
Organization charts
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Organization Chart |
X
|
X
|
| Organization Chart Wizard |
X
|
X
|
Process engineering
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Piping and Instrumentation Diagram |
X
| |
| Process Flow Diagram |
X
|
Project schedule
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Calendar |
X
|
X
|
| Gantt Chart |
X
|
X
|
| PERT Chart |
X
|
X
|
| Timeline |
X
|
X
|
Software
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| COM and OLE |
X
| |
| Data Flow Model Diagram |
X
| |
| Enterprise Application |
X
| |
| Jackson |
X
| |
| Program Structure |
X
| |
| ROOM |
X
| |
| UML Model Diagram |
X
| |
| Windows XP User Interface |
X
|
Web site maps
| Diagram | Standard | Professional |
| Conceptual Web Site |
X
| |
| Web Site Map |
X
|
Diagram examples
For examples of the diagrams that are included in Visio Standard 2003 and in Visio Professional 2003, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
Visio 2007 upgrade comparison
For more information about how upgrading to Visio 2007 can benefit you and the business and to compare the features and the benefits of Visio 2007 with earlier versions of Visio, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
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