Microsoft Office has a certain ubiquity, an electronic omnipresence; it's become increasingly rare over recent years to find a PC that isn't running at least one aspect of the Office suite, with Word, Outlook, Excel and Access being particularly universal. Indeed, there was a time (the early 1990s, to be specific) when Office comprised only those four applications. Nowadays, however, Microsoft intend their flagship software collection to cover every possible need, whether for business, home use, or education.

It may be that you've previously delved into the full range of tools that Office offers, and spotted but not really investigated that little box named Visio. True, it's not one of the group's better known members, and it serves a very specific purpose. However, it's an important purpose - Visio creates diagrams that can clearly and graphically explain the progress of a business or department and the processes within - and one that can be of benefit to a great many organisations in any number of circumstances.

And if indeed you haven't taken a prior interest in Visio, now may be the ideal time, with the launch of the all-new Visio 2010. For those unconverted to or unaware of the advantages that Visio brings, this year's enhancements have more than enough to convince.

Dynamic visuals

One of the key benefits of using Visio is the creation of data-driven graphics. Diagrams can be constructed around information from a number of applications - such as Excel, Access, Microsoft SQL Server or any database with Open Database Connectivity - allowing the user to see the impact of changes in individual figures upon a wider process, or the company as a whole.

For example, a commercial bakery can see instantly the impact upon its production of a rise in the price of sugar, or of rye flour not being delivered on time. And as the data in these diagrams can be linked directly to the information in their parent applications, the Visio diagram will be updated automatically any time the data is changed, ensuring that you can always stay on top of vital information.

Easier than ever

There should be nothing overwhelming in creating these diagrams, and the 2010 edition of Visio further simplifies the process. Jump-Start Diagrams are available to provide ready-made solutions for any number of situations, with pre-drawn shapes, sample drawings and templates at hand to get even the newest Visio novice up and running in no time. Meanwhile, a rich variety of themes and graphics help to ensure that the finished diagram has just the appearance you need.

Visio 2010 also introduces Subprocesses, making complex diagrams more easily understood. The software is capable, if needed, of building vast diagrams with an enormous level of detail. In such cases, however, you might need to be able to identify small sections of the wider process; Visio Subprocesses allow you to do just that, to create a mini-diagram of the information you're looking for whilst leaving the overall diagram to continue unaltered.

Finally, with Visio 2010, you can always be confident that your diagram makes sense, that it actually works for you. All diagrams can be checked automatically against business rules and logic, and with one click you can ensure that any diagram you create is logical, soundly built and consistent. A short training course can help you to get to grips with all the tools Visio offers for creating these diagrams - and to picture a brighter future for your company.