MindManager 8

By Dale Farris, Reviews Coordinator Golden Triangle PC Club May 2010 General Overview MindManager 8 is the latest update to this super organizational tool that helps users organize thoughts, projects, and presentations. The program uses visuals and text not only to speed the writing process, but also to help folks work on and retain a large quantity of information in a short time frame. MindManager is the ultimate tool for increasing productivity – for you or your entire team. Use it to visually connect ideas and information to help you save time, solve real business problems, improve business processes, and drive innovation. By visually organizing all your information, you’ll have the big picture clearly before you, while still tracking the smallest details. MindManager 8 enables business professionals and teams to build clear visual representations that combine information and data with ideas, insights, tasks, and assignments that emerge from such information. In addition, MindManager 8 seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office, and presents a ribbon-like interface now familiar to most Office users. This further improves the ability to communicate conclusions and actions in the format most appropriate to each audience, whether it be as a report, a presentation, a project plan, or a Web site. MindManager's graphical diagrams (mind maps) start with a central theme, then add branches with ideas, notes, images, tasks—even hyperlinks and attachments. By conquering information overload, you'll be able to improve work processes and visually document and implement best practices throughout your organization. Bring the necessary information and ideas from colleagues, partners, customers, websites (including searches), databases, business processes and documents together to see the big picture along with the details. Visualize every aspect of your project and filter only the information you need. Access, update and share knowledge immediately. Your map can link and layer images, lists, notes, data, charts and files in any format—Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project as well as PDFs, Web content and more. It contains virtually every piece of pertinent information for any given project—all in one place. Produce more predictable results because everyone understands the big picture, including their roles, tasks and priorities. It’s also a time-saving way to keep decision-makers in the loop. Combine the power of MindManager 8 with Mindjet Catalyst, the simple but powerful online collaboration tool, for real-time collaboration with anyone, anywhere. Note that this new version 8 of MindManager will run in Microsoft's new Windows 7, either the 32-bit or the 64-bit editions. With MindManager 8, You Can: Align organizational strategy and objectives by visually conveying information in a single, centralized and coherent view Empower people to accelerate business processes by enhancing strategic thinking, facilitating quicker project planning and increasing team productivity Engage and excite employees by engaging people in stimulating real-time interactions during process planning Bring better products and services to market faster by enforcing best practices and making existing plans, processes and ideas accessible Stay ahead of the competition and foster innovation by increasing team interactions during the early stages of strategic planning Win new business faster and improve business relationships by quickly capturing relevant information and improving communication with clients What's New in V. 8? MindjetShare Share your ideas, plans, vision and research using Mindjet’s sharing capabilities featuring MindjetShare Send a URL in an email to share a hosted map or publish directly to Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter, Blogger, WordPress and more Or communicate your vision and ideas by transforming your map into a fully interactive Adobe PDF file. Your viewers will need only their browser or Adobe Reader to view your map Expose your friends, colleagues and entire network to your influential thinking quickly and easily and allow them to copy and build upon your map, if you choose Project Management Use MindManager to define your goals, objectives and scope to ensure that you set the right tone and tasks for your projects. MindManager’s task automation, resource assignment, prioritization and integrated support for Mindjet Gantt and Microsoft Project help you manage your project from start to finish. MindManager helps you avoid up-front mistakes that cause exponential cost increases and delays downstream. Web Integration Keep your digital world close at hand. View web pages or applications, such as Google Docs, directly inside of MindManager using the embedded web browser. Map web searches from Google, Yahoo and Microsoft or map your social network from Facebook or MySpace. Avoid costly context switching and bring your web content directly into your map. Handy Features Still Available Topic Rollover Topic Menu Added Automatically distributes topics to visually balance your map Attach multiple files to a topic Add custom fields to a topic Easily keep track of topics and sub-topics with topic numbering Use bookmarks to identify and quickly find topics Quickly group related topics Easily identify and mark topics for export Toolbar selections include line style and anchor, text and image align Use markers to speed and clarify communications Link your map to an Excel spreadsheet data range Link a web page to your map Import web page information as a topic Create process diagrams by exporting map content to Visio Instantly convert map content into web pages Get reminded when topic action is required Keep track of time remaining to stay on schedule Other Features Saved Queries Allows saving queries created in Power Filter/Select/Bookmark dialogs. Once query criteria are saved, they can later be applied to the same map or saved with a template for use in a map that uses that template Saved Views Sets up specific view of any maps and saves it for future use Topic Styles Easily create, format and save custom topic styles to make your maps more compelling Topic Sorting Sorts Topics in alphanumeric order, alphabet only, on task completion percentage or task priority Microsoft Visio Export Easily converts maps into process diagrams by seamlessly exporting to Microsof Visio Microsoft Excel Linker Display and edit spreadsheets within maps Power Filter Filter Topics to show only desired topics and create a dashboard that shows only relevant information Power Select Select Topics for editing or modification using a combination of rules such as Map Markers, Task and Review Information and Other Properties Custom Properties Add a custom set of fields to a Topic and define their properties to create a reusable data set of information Bookmark Quickly move from one Topic to another topic using Bookmarks for easy search and retrieval Review Mode When sharing maps, initiate Review Mode to see exactly what additions and deletions were made Topic Alerts Synchronizes with Microsoft Outlook Calendar to be reminded when a Topic action is required Text Marker Add custom text markers to Topics to further describe topic relevance Timer Keep meetings and presentations on track Microsoft PowerPoint Export Create presentations using maps and export to PowerPoint What is a MindManager Map? At their simplest, Mindjet MindManager maps function like street maps. They represent complex information in an organized, easy-to-understand visual format. And they enable you to easily grasp connections, obstacles, and paths so you can quickly choose the best course of action. But instead of facilitating travel, MindManager maps improve processes, projects, and planning. Another difference: you build your own. Easy to start: Capture With its intuitive, highly interactive interface, a MindManager map is a snap to begin. Click anywhere and type a central topic. From there, the map welcomes as much creative thinking as you and your team can generate. It even pulls in external information from websites, databases, spreadsheets, blogs, and more. Customizable wizards and templates, and a one-stop task pane, streamline and standardize map creation. Easy to take action: Organize MindManager maps show you the “big picture” through cascading connections between related topics and sub-topics, plus quick-glance highlighting, icons, formats, and pictures. Soon you’re making better decisions in less time. And that’s only the start. Maps are also blueprints for action, enabling you to assign and manage tasks, resources, timelines, and deliverables. Easy to extend information enterprise-wide: Share The free Mindjet MindManager Viewer puts everyone in your organization on the same map with search, navigate, print, and publish capabilities. For enterprise-wide impact you can save maps as bitmaps, Adobe PDFs, and web pages, and export map content to Microsoft® Office and other enterprise applications. MindManager maps are even pen-enabled for tablet PCs, so they travel anywhere you do. Importance in the Business Community MindManager 8 is an interesting program that corresponds to the current interest in business and organizations in finding ways to maximize the creativity and innovation of members of the company. MindManager is also based on the many solid published works of creativity gurus Tony Buzan, including "The BrainSmart Leader," "The Mind Map Book," "Make the Most of Your Mind," and "Use Both Sides of Your Brain," and Rita Carter and Christopher Frith's "Mapping The Mind" and "Mind Mapping." With this release, the MindJet company provides a specialized adaptation of their superb mind mapping tool, Mind Manager, for use in business and especially for use across a company's multiple worksites. MindManager for Microsoft SharePoint One of the more important new features in MindManager 8 is its functionality within Microsoft's SharePoint. If your organization uses Microsoft SharePoint, you’ll be excited to know that Mindjet recently announced the launch of a new version of MindManager 8 that enables real-time synchronization of data between SharePoint and your mind maps. This special version of MindManager 8 includes a new SharePoint tab in the program’s ribbon toolbar to manage its interactions with the popular team collaboration tool. MindManager 8 for SharePoint makes it easy to connect to one or more SharePoint sites and sub-sites and search for specific projects and tasks, using a new search wizard. SharePoint tasks meeting your search criteria are displayed as topics in your map, and can be explored using MindManager’s built-in browser. You can also add lists, tasks, documents, images and other assets stored in your SharePoint sites to your maps, and then update status and priorities in your mind map, or open up the program’s browser to view all of your project data in context. You can view document properties, check out an Office document and edit it; your changes are automatically synchronized back to the SharePoint site. A new Site Explorer map part enables you to easily create a visual map of a SharePoint sites. A wizard enables you to select one or more SharePoint sites and to filter its content by list type prior to inserting its data into your map. You can also create new SharePoint folders and documents from within your mind maps. Creating a new folder showcases the tight two-way integration between the two applications: If you select the “create folder” icon from MindManager’s SharePoint toolbar, a wizard pops up on your screen, enabling you to select the SharePoint site and list to which you want to add a new folder. Once you’ve made these selections, MindManager’s embedded browser displays SharePoint’s add a folder page. You type in your new folder name and click the “OK” button to create it. Your new folder is added to SharePoint and, at the same time, a corresponding folder is added to your mind map. The same process can be followed to add a new issue item within that folder. Nice! MindManager for SharePoint adds a highly visual front end to this popular but not very intuitive collaboration tool, and makes it easy to find and work with specific SharePoint assets within this powerful and flexible mind mapping program. A new license of MindManager for SharePoint is $499. If you are an existing user of MindManager for Windows, a special $150 upgrade price is also available. A free trial is also available. Product Benefits Using MindManager as an alternative to note-pads, flip charts and white boards provides significant time-savings and demonstrable return on investment. In addition to time-savings from the electronic capture of information, MindManager's visual format facilitates communication, group consensus, and decision-making in much shorter periods of time. Faster decision-making Less time spent on preparation Less time spent in meetings Increased productivity Business professionals, managers, project leaders and their teams all can benefit from using MindManager 8. The average business professional attends from 40 to 60 meetings a month which, in addition to requisite pre- and post-meeting activities, consume an enormous amount of time - much of it often unproductive. Mindjet calls these people "Meeting Warriors," and MindManager 8 will prove to be of great value to these "Meeting Warriors." According to data retrieved by Mindjet from their customers, the program can help Increase the number of new ideas generated during brainstorming by at least 20%. In addition, it can help increase project success rates by at least 20%, reduce time spent transcribing and distributing notes by at least 30%, move projects from brainstorming & planning phases into implementation 20% faster, reach consensus and make group decisions 20% faster, and reduce time spent preparing for meetings by 20%. Key Features in MindManager 8 Fast Information Capture Notes Spell Check Learning Center Print as Map Graphic, Text Outline Hyperlink to Web or Files Map Templates Protect Document International Unicode Search Filter Pack and Go Task Info Wizard Framework Smooth Text/Graphics Library Multiple Select/Format Painter Boundaries and Relationships Floating and Callout Topics Styles Map Markers Packages Action Bar and Menu Brainstorm/Presentation Modes Map View Outline View Review Mode Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project Integration Save As Web Pages Bitmap Export PDF Export MPX File Format Workspace View Execute Commands Printing XML Transformations Macro Editor Data Interchange SmartMapX Technology Operation Information MindManager 8 is really quite simple and easy to use, and is an excellent example of how computer software can be designed to allow anyone to personally activate cutting-edge research and training, in this case, the field of mind research many think was originated by Mr. Buzan. Across the country, this conceptualization of ideas into diagrams and symbols has been successfully integrated in business, non profit organizations, and especially schools. There is now an entire genre of book publishing specializing in creativity and innovation tools designed for use by teachers in all levels of education. The basic idea is to help users achieve their potential by allowing them to display their ideas and concepts in a graphical pattern that both sides of the brain can quickly grasp. This is based on the work of researchers working in this field, finding out how different parts of the brain are responsible for different thought and other functions of the body. The left side, responsible for logical thought, and the right side, used for visual and creative thought, work together while using this program to increase memory retention and productivity. In the past, trying to implement these findings meant dependence on pen or multi-colored markers and paper, and the ability of folks to draw diagrams and shapes to represent their ideas and concepts. With the advent of such software as MindManager 8, now you can draw upon the power of this program to vastly improve this process with groups of employees, and the results are greatly enhanced. Typical Uses of MindManager 8 Prepare for speeches and presentations Plan and track complex tasks and projects Share project information with others Supports Internet conferencing Create Java-enhanced web sites and site maps Track progress on projects visually Organize multiple projects Take and easily reorganize notes Link shapes or symbols in MindManager to web sites or other files Multiple print output capabilities Pack & deliver - makes multiple maps and Web export easy and flexible Improved export features - now to MS PowerPoint program VBA-compatible scripting for customized functionality Real-time group conferencing Import bitmaps Graphic bubbles to show associations New symbol gallery management - 1,000 new symbols Wherever there are project teams and wherever there is a need for effective management, collaboration, and communication, there is a use for MindManager 8. These applications include project management, strategic planning, joint application development, creating and delivering training content live, online brainstorming and meeting sessions, enterprise resource planning, and developing and delivering engaging interactive presentations. Basic Operation A mind map starts with an empty shape in the middle of the screen in which you enter text that indicates the central concept of the drawing. You move the mouse outside this central shape and add other ideas by tapping the Insert key on the keyboard and entering text for this supplemental idea. Using the Enter key adds "main" ideas to the central shape, and the Insert key adds additional shapes to these sub-topics. MindManager will automatically draw links to connect the central shape with these other supplemental ideas and any additional ones you wish to add. Cool, huh! Using the included symbol library, you can easily select other graphics files that might represent the intent of the concept and then add text to the idea, color-code the shapes, as well as add dates to the shapes. When finished, you can save the file in a proprietary file format, convert it to an HTML file, share it with others with the conferencing feature, as well as use the file as an actual web site that includes active links to other files or other web sites. As stated, you can now very easily export the MindManager 8 files into usable data in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Project files, as well as quickly email the files with Outlook. You can also print the file onto a standard size piece of paper, and explode the file into "tiles" that can be taped together on a flip chart. You can also convert mind maps and print them as traditional outlines. As with most software today, MindManager's help files are accessible online, and there is no supplemental guidebook. However, the tutorials and the help files are well prepared and do provide all the help new users of this software will need to quickly get up and running with MindManager. Recommendation MindManager 8 is easily one of the most interesting, creative software programs now on the market, and with its very aggressive price point most all businesses and organizations should give this program serious consideration for use by their teams. With companies involved in serious competition or heavily committed to an aggressive marketing investment, this program will prove a valuable investment in assisting their employees in stimulating their creativity and productivity. In this highly specialized genre of "mind mapping" computer software, with the release of this new version, MindJet now takes over first place, ahead of the stiff competition from other similar programs, such as Inspiration. Price $349 MindManager 8 To be eligible for upgrade pricing, you must have a valid license key of either MindManager 8, MindManager X5, or MindManager 2002 Enterprise or Business. Licensing Enterprise and volume sales are available. Note that MindManager 7 is also available in a Macintosh version. System Configuration Requirements Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit, Vista 32-bit, XP SP3 32-bit Windows Server 2003 32-bit Microsoft Systems Management Server using Windows Server 2003 32-bit Citrix MetaFrame Presentation Server 4.5 IBM or compatible Pentium processor (700 MHz or greater) 512MB RAM or greater 150MB disk space and 50MB more during installation SVGA (1024 x 768/16-bit color or greater) Microsoft .NET 2.0 or higher Additional requirements to use certain features: Microsoft Office Professional 2002/XP, 2003 or 2007 Microsoft Project 2002, 2003 or 2007 Microsoft Visio Professional 2002, 2003, or 2007 IE 6 or greater Mozilla Firefox 3 or greater Adobe Acrobat 9 or greater Adobe Flash Player 9 or greater Internet Connection About Mindjet Corporation Mindjet provides personal productivity and collaboration solutions that visually connect ideas, information and people to save time, improve business processes and drive innovation. Mindjet is the only company to combine a visual productivity application (mind mapping) with a comprehensive collaboration platform. Mindjet’s approach efficiently organizes complex ideas and processes to increase clarity and turn ideas into action. So whether you are driving the sales process, managing a project, building a strategic plan, running a brainstorming session, conducting a meeting, or simply getting organized, Mindjet helps you succeed with almost any business or personal productivity challenge. People can work individually or collaborate in real-time to organize, manage and communicate ideas and information while solving real business problems. From the big picture down to the smallest details, your entire team can easily engage with the most relevant information. Now, for the first time, you can see the forest and the trees. Used by more than 1.5 million professionals around the world in six out of every 10 of the companies listed in the Fortune 100, Mindjet solutions dramatically boost productivity and team effectiveness. Surveys across several industries show that Mindjet can increase productivity by up to 25 percent by making meetings, common communications and project management tasks more efficient and effective. Mindjet’s software and web-based solutions include the world’s leading visual productivity application, document and file sharing, secure workspaces and web conferencing. Mindjet products are available for free trial or purchase at secure.mindjet.com/store or through an extensive partner network at www.mindjet.com/community/partners. Mindjet is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. Visit www.cancercode.com to access the story behind the founding of Mindjet. In "The Cancer Code," Mindjet founders Michael and Bettina Jetter describe how a battle with leukemia led to the development of Mindjet MindManager software and the creation of Mindjet. Contact Mindjet Koshland Building 1160 Battery Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, California 94111 415-229-4200 FAX: 415-229-4201 info@mindjet.com sales@mindjet.com www.mindjet.com