Mindjet launches Catalyst online collaboration suite

Mindjet has moved its mind mapping application to a software-as-a-service model

US firm Mindjet has unveiled an online collaboration platform that includes mind-mapping and web conferencing capabilities as well as other collaboration functionality.

Mindjet had traditionally provided its mind mapping software as a downloadable solution that could be installed on users' desktops. But the company has now launched the capabilities as part of an online suite called Mindjet Catalyst that will compete with the likes of Huddle, Cisco's Web Ex and Adobe Connect.

"There are so many collaboration firms out there, but they all provide the same types of communication tools that fail to deliver the type of collaboration people often need," said Michael Deutch, head of marketing at Mindjet.

"Often the tools mean that people are just inundated with more messages, emails and other types of correspondence, and our aim is to bring people back into real collaborative environments."

Deutch gave a demonstration of how Mindjet provides a visual means to communicate online. Users can view each others' desktops, take part in instant messaging, video chat and VoIP calls, as well as manage documents and templates.

The feature that could give Mindjet a unique position in the marketplace, however, is the mind mapping application.

Rather than using documents, presentations and emails, which limit users to working on one page at a time, the firm has introduced an interactive mapping process.

"The approach efficiently organises complex ideas and processes from the big picture down to the smallest details, enabling an entire team to easily engage with the most relevant information, increase clarity and turn ideas into action, " said the company.

Users will be able to link hyperlinks, attachments, videos, maps, spreadsheets and presentations to their mind maps. Mindjet also said that Catalyst will allow users to work simultaneously with colleagues, and that all edits can be captured in real time.

Additionally, users will be able to share their mind maps with pretty much anyone online by emailing a link to their map, posting it on a blog or sharing it via a social network.