Getting the most value from Visio
- Joe Jones, Microsoft, Redmond, WA
While Visio is a valuable and productive tool out of the box, Visimation accomplishes even more by developing custom applications targeted to perform specific tasks, such as Visio drawing, at maximum efficiency. Our software applications are quite easy to learn, typically requiring less than an hour of training to become productive.
Two Approaches
Visimation utilizes two approaches to developing Visio drawing applications. The first approach uses Visio's rich set of drawing features and robust API (Application Programming Interface) to modify the familiar desktop product's interface and features. The second approach utilizes the Visio ActiveX Control to embed custom graphics tools into other software environments such as a Web browser*.
The traditional Visio product is a standalone application that provides the familiar Visio user interface and features. We can customize it in several ways:
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COM Addin
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Advantages:
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Bootstrap
(starting Visio based on user input) |
Advantages:
Visio COM addin started with a Bootstrap program. Note the custom menu that eliminates certain standard Visio items and added custom items. The custom user interface also includes a Visimation Stencil Navigator that enables a user to more easily find shapes from a large library.
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The OCX programming control enables us to insert the Visio drawing engine within another software application such as a Visual Studio framework or a Web browser.
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COM Addin
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Advantages:
Visio OCX customized for a simple furniture estimating application. In this case there are no traditional Visio stencils or menus. The user simply clicks a furniture symbol to add it to the drawing and bill of materials.
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