SmartDraw debuts graphics software

SmartDraw.com based in San Diego, Calif., today announced the launch of SmartDraw 2008, the company’s latest version of business graphics software. With the software, advisers can create flowcharts, accounting forms, data flow diagrams and more, all of it done through a drag-and-drop interface. Among the new features are picture charts, referred to as chartoons. Instead of classic (and some might say boring) bar graphs or pie charts, users can substitute images to display data — for example a money bag scaled up or down in relation to the amount of money or revenue growth or asset allocation you are trying to represent. There is also automatic flowcharting whereby connecting lines are drawn automatically and shapes are evenly spaced and aligned. A single-step chart feature has also been introduced in which graphs can be built without first having to create a spreadsheet — users can pick a chart and type their data directly into the bars or drag and manipulate the charts into the position they want. The software is available via direct download for $297 or you can order it in the form of a CD from www.SmartDraw.com. Look for InvestmentNews’s TechTips column when we put the software through its paces.