Use Visio for ALL your diagram creation tasks. Great overall infrastructure design program.
May 02, 2020

Use Visio for ALL your diagram creation tasks. Great overall infrastructure design program.

John Mota | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Microsoft Visio

Currently, it is used for the creation of org charts, network diagrams, software project diagrams, etc. The ability to import other manufacturer's design and equipment detail for inclusion in our drawings makes this software valuable. We are able to re-use diagrams to implement upgrades to equipment and find Visio valuable for keeping track of inventory on this equipment.

Pros

  • Automated linking of diagram objects based on rules.
  • Vast array of diagram objects.
  • Easiest software to use for organizational charts.

Cons

  • Remove the block for click-to-run installation when used in conjunction with Office 365.
  • Reduce pricing for the on-line version of Visio if this is going to be the wave of the future.
  • Have better definition and detail requirements for objects provided by third parties for import into Visio.
  • Visio has typically been a fairly priced product. It's only with the advent of subscription-based licensing, that I'm not so sure it has the same ROI.
  • For the most part, even really old versions of Visio are still very useful. Good ROI on the installed versions.
  • Allows us to keep documentation up to date for audits avoiding fines, penalties, etc.
Visio is kind of in a class by itself (or Microsoft wouldn't have purchased the company way back in the 2000s) There have been a couple of competitors, but they really don't have the same functionality as Visio. I picked the upper and lower limit competitors Samrtdraw and AutoCAD. SmartDraw is a great program overall, but it just doesn't create as "pretty" a diagram as Visio. AutoCAD is also a great program, but you need hours of training and an engineering degree to produce the same diagram in that program. Visio, on the other hand, can be used out of the box, and with wizards, you be up and creating in minutes.
Overall, I feel that Microsoft's support is weak. They are now such a behemoth that their model of putting documentation online for their users to sift through is totally outgrown. Given the amount of money you pay for these licenses, Microsoft should provide easy one-on-one support for their products via email or chat. The idea of paying their rates for support incidents is ridiculous. If you have an enormous amount of time on your hands, use their support websites and you will eventually find a solution most of the time.

Do you think Microsoft Visio delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Microsoft Visio's feature set?

No

Did Microsoft Visio live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Microsoft Visio go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Microsoft Visio again?

Yes

One way I've used Visio is to map the current state of a network. Beginning with actual design objects from OEMs, you are able to import a lot of equipment details and enter serial numbers, service IDs, MAC addresses, etc. Visio objects are defined at various manufacturer websites including Cisco, EMC, Dell, HP, etc. You then can link and organize your network "on paper" to keep an inventory of your devices, their software version levels, and other information. When you replace a device, it's easy to delete and add the new device, keeping your documentation up to date.

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