Visio 2003 Enters Public Beta

Visio 2003, the next version of Microsoft's business diagramming software, is scheduled to be available for public beta beginning in June.

Microsoft is inviting anyone interested to participate in the beta program. Starting this week, would-be beta testers can register online at the newly launched Visio 2003 Web site.

Shipping Late Summer

Visio 3003, a member of the Office 2003 family, is scheduled to ship late this summer, said Jason Bunge, Visio product manager. Microsoft is not yet releasing pricing information.

The updated Visio will provide many features common to other members of the Office 2003 family. The new version of Visio will have enhanced support for XML-compatible data sources, so users can read and write XML documents and forms.

Other improvements include a selection of new starter templates; an enhanced org chart wizard; and pre-made flowcharts. Along with extensive online help, Microsoft intends the new functions to make Visio more accessible for end users.

For enterprise users, Microsoft is enhancing the collaborative functions of all Office applications, including Visio.

Office Integration

This version will be Microsoft's second update to the popular tool for creating flowcharts, organizational charts, and technical drawings.

In January 2000, Microsoft completed its acquisition of Visio, maker of the longtime market-leading application for business diagramming.

Microsoft integrated Visio more closely into its Office family of applications with Visio 2002, the first version of the program released with Microsoft's input. Visio 2002 shipped about two years ago, to work with Office XP.