IT Pros, you now have a place where you can find detailed, practical help with your network diagrams: the IT Pro Zone. This special area of the Visio home page features regularly updated links to the latest templates and articles for people who set up or maintain computer networks.

Keep your IT systems humming with Visio

The InfoWorld Test Center staff said it best in May 2004: "If there’s a single invaluable tool for network and system architects, it’s Visio."

We agree, and that's why we're bringing you the IT Pro Zone.

If you're new to Visio, the IT Pro Zone can show you how using network diagrams makes managing and maintaining IT systems, networks, and other complex systems easier and less expensive. For example:

• While you plan a network expansion, you can use detailed network diagrams to determine how to interconnect remote locations.
• As you begin implementation, you can illustrate presentations or reports for execs with basic network diagrams to convey your progress with the organization's network.
• After the network is up and running, you can support your end users by creating diagrams that help them find printers, copy machines, and other devices to connect to.
• And for the maintenance phase, you can use additional network diagrams to illustrate disaster-recovery plans, cabling runs, and company assets.

Discover more uses for Visio

Even if you already use Visio, the IT Pro Zone has something to offer. For example, did you know that Visio 2003 includes several new and improved features specifically for IT Pros?

• With the new Rack Diagram template, you can draw accurate representations of current and proposed network server room configurations. Never again will you ask, "Will this fit?"
• The updated network diagram templates include a new library of network device shapes that engage the eye with a professional and up-to-date look.
• The new network device shapes feature a consistent set of custom properties, making it easy to store information (such as asset number or IP address) and then generate reports to help you audit equipment inventories, create bills of materials, and support budget estimates.

Check the IT Pro Zone for updates

Every couple of weeks, the IT Pro Zone features new links to IT-related templates and articles.

Learn how to create the perfect presentation, proposal, or conceptual layout for your network. Discover how to create more complex and elaborate diagrams, including actual network configurations. Visit the IT Pro Zone on the Visio home page now.

Have an idea for us?  Is there an IT-related template or article that you'd like to see? Visit the Feedback and Suggestions page and tell us about it.