Visio is the fastest, easiest tool for designing LANs, WANs, wiring closets, server rooms, telecommunications structures, and more using shapes that represent the latest network technologies. That is why UltiCAM provides a direct interface to your company's version of Visio that links the relationship between graphic Visio Shapes and items in the UltiCAM database.

Existing CAD drawings (floor plans, site layouts, data network designs, perspective views, technical diagrams, etc.) from the most popular drawing and CAD programs, including AutoCAD, can be used directly in Visio. These drawings are then linked to the site structure and displayed with UltiCAM.

By assigning Visio Shapes to the UltiCAM Library definitions, each record in the UltiCAM database is created with a common Visio Shape. Then, by using the UltiCAM Visio Drawing Wizard, the user chooses which items in the UltiCAM database are to be transferred and displayed on Visio drawings. The UltiCAM Visio Drawing Wizard will automatically label the Shapes with the information from the UltiCAM database. The user then scales the shape and places it in the appropriate location in the floor plan drawing.

Using built-in integration, you can easily add powerful drawings to your UltiCAM database. Typically, floor plan drawings are supplied from Autodesk AutoCAD (v2.5-AutoCAD 2002) and are in a .DWG or .DXF file format. These formats are directly imported into Visio and displayed with the existing layers. You control the visibility, color, and line thickness of layers. The Visio floor plan drawings are then assigned to the Building/Floor structure in the UltiCAM database. These files can also be exported as AutoCAD DWG/DXF files.

Whether you're planning a new installation strategy, updating your network documentation, or just trying to train a new IT technician, detailed and accurate information is indispensable. With Visio and UltiCAM, you can finally get a clear picture of the networks you have, and even start planning for the ones you want.

Visit Microsoft.com for more information about Visio.