Brainstorming package gets more database connectivity and collaboration options
vnunet.com, 14 Jan 2009
Some ad-hoc database queries can be quite time consuming, so MindManager 8 can be used to connect to databases and run reports against the data they contain on the fly.
Database support includes IBM DB2, Microsoft Access, Excel and SQL Server, as well as MySQL and Oracle.
MindManager 8 also boasts a comprehensive set of options to drag and drop topic searches onto the current map. These can be from local data using Google or Windows desktop search, or from online web searches with Google, Microsoft Live Search and Yahoo.
It was simple to perform a web search. Insert a topic into the map with the search term required, and on Map Parts, click which engine you want to search with. The results are tagged as sub-topics to the main search topic, and there is a refresh button that can be used to update the searches later if needed. The links next to the search result headlines are clickable.
Other web services supported are e-commerce sites Amazon and eBay, and there is also support for the MySpace and Facebook social networking sites.
Project teams that need to collaborate with more than just the read-only maps obtainable through export to PDF and .SWF may need to consider subscriptions to either Mindjet Connect or MindManager Web.
Mindjet Connect allows project team members concurrent access to online mind maps, with the ability to edit and change those maps in real time. MindManager Web is Mindjet's software-as-a-service application, which again gives project teams the ability to collaborate and use MindManager online, albeit without the full functionality of the standalone client software package.
Version 8 is a good update to Mindjet's MindManager client package, and combining it with Connect or Web subscriptions could deliver even more productivity for planning or project management teams.
MindManager 8 costs £199 + VAT. MindManager Web costs £8 per user per month for a one-year subscription.
The latest upgrade to Mindjet’s MindManager brainstorming and planning tool is a worthwhile one, giving access to more databases, better collaboration features and even better integration with Microsoft's Office productivity suite. Adding a Mindjet Connect or Web subscription would deliver even more productivity for project management teams.
Pros : Embedded Mindjet browser improves pulling web data into maps; more databases supported; Mindjet Player gives better collaboration with users not having MindManager client.
Cons : No support yet for searching SQL Server 2008 databases.
Brainstorming package adds database connectivity and PDF/Shockwave features
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