Microsoft Visio is a popular diagramming and visualization software used by professionals across industries to create a wide variety of diagrams including flowcharts, organizational charts, and more. Choosing the right Visio license plan that fits your needs and budget can be tricky given the different options available.
This article provides a detailed guide on Visio license types, pricing, costs, and tips for choosing the best plan.
In this article
Part 1. Overview of Visio and Key Features
Microsoft Visio is part of the Microsoft Office suite of products. It is used for visualizing information to plan, brainstorm, and communicate complex information easily through data-linked diagrams.
Some of the key features of Visio include:
- Intelligent diagramming tools - Visio includes dozens of templates and smart shapes that auto-connect and auto-align to create professional diagrams quickly.
- Data linking capabilities - Link diagrams to various data sources such as Excel, SharePoint, SQL Server, and others to create data-driven visualizations.
- Collaboration tools - Share diagrams to collaborate with team members and add comments or feedback.
- Creation of flowcharts, workflows, organization charts, floorplans, network diagrams, engineering schematics, and more.
Visio Pro for Office 365 also includes advanced features like data visualizations, database modeling, business process mapping, and support for macros.
Part 2. Key Features in Microsoft Visio Standard Plan
Microsoft offers different license and pricing options for Visio to meet the needs of various customers.
The main license types available are:
Standalone Visio License
This allows you to access just the Visio app without needing an Office 365 subscription. It can be installed locally or accessed via the cloud.
Microsoft 365 Apps License
This license includes access to Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint along with the Visio desktop app. It doesn't include web/mobile access.
Office 365 Visio Plan 1
This plan includes web and mobile access to Visio along with Office web apps. You also get basic Visio templates.
Office 365 Visio Plan 2
Along with Plan 1 benefits, this adds a Visio desktop app and access to all Visio templates and shapes.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
This subscription plan includes Office apps, advanced security, and device management capabilities and provides Visio Pro for Office 365.
Microsoft 365 E3
It includes Office 365 Enterprise plan features and provides Visio Pro for Office 365. Advanced analytics and business intelligence features.
Microsoft 365 E5
The most comprehensive enterprise plan with advanced security, compliance capabilities, and analytics tools. Includes Visio Pro for Office 365.
Part 3. Pricing and Cost of Visio License
The pricing and costs for a Visio license vary based on the specific plan chosen. Some key costs are:
- Standalone Visio Online Plan 1 - $5 per user/month
- Standalone Visio Professional 2021 (one-time purchase) - $279.99
- Microsoft 365 Apps - $8.25 per user/month
- Office 365 Visio Plan 1 - $5 per user/month
- Office 365 Visio Plan 2 - $15 per user/month
- Microsoft 365 E3 - $32 per user/month
- Microsoft 365 E5 - $57 per user/month
Volume licensing prices are also offered by Microsoft for organizations with multiple users. Educational institutions and students get discounted subscription rates.
Here are some key considerations when choosing the right Visio license for your needs:
- Analyze how many users need access to Visio in your organization and how frequently they use it. For a large number of users, volume licensing plans can reduce per-user costs.
- Evaluate which specific Visio features are required. Online web plans provide basic diagramming while desktop app unlocks advanced functionality.
- Understand on-premise vs cloud usage. Cloud plans enable access from anywhere while standalone licenses are for on-premise use.
- Consider integrations required with Office apps, SharePoint, or other data sources.
- Compare license benefits vs costs to get optimal value. Lower-priced plans like Visio Online may suffice for some users.
Part 4. Best Alternative for Visio-EdrawMax
EdrawMax is a popular and cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Visio. EdrawMax provides all the essential diagramming features at a fraction of Visio license costs.
EdrawMax makes it easy to create detailed data flow diagrams (DFD) to visualize data flows and system processes. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and install EdrawMax on your PC. Launch EdrawMax and click New > Software & Database> Software Development > Data Flow Diagram. Select a suitable DFD template to proceed.
Step 2: Drag and drop elements like processes, external entities, data flows, and data stores from the toolbar Customize elements by adding text, aligning, sizing, formatting, etc.
Step 3: Connect different elements using connector lines to represent data flows.
Step 4: Use colors, symbols, and legends to distinguish different types of data flows.
Step 5: Export finished DFD in desired file formats - PDF, Word, JPEG, etc.
Using the intuitive DFD shapes and connectors in EdrawMax, you can create professional-quality data flow diagrams in minutes rather than hours. The advanced customization and styling options help improve clarity.
Conclusion
Visio offers a robust diagramming and visualization solution for professionals across industries. Evaluating key license types based on features needed, number of users, budgets, and work preferences is important to make the right choice.
While Visio desktop plans provide advanced capabilities, online web plans can suffice for more basic usage. EdrawMax is a cheaper yet more powerful alternative to create 280+ diagrams including flowcharts, DFDs, org charts, and more for a one-time cost.
Carefully reviewing options as per requirements can ensure optimal investment in a Visio license for unlocking productivity and efficiency gains through impactful data-linked visualizations.
EdrawMax Desktop
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