Question

Some of your project team members don’t think it is possible to carry out all the activities associated with hosting a luncheon by the date specified. Your team is now tasked with developing a network diagram. Conduct research and find two software programs that can be used to develop network diagrams. Compare and contrast the programs. Which program do you feel is superior? Why? Explain your answer.

Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.

Answer 1

A network diagram is a schematic representation of a network of computers, telecom systems, or similar connectivity systems. Very often in business planning, the entire schematic is prepared first to understand the changes and activities that need to be aligned for the smooth functioning of the systems. There are a lot of tools available in the market that provides a ready to use a template to prepare network diagrams. Based on the research I would recommend the following two network diagram software:

• Lucid chart
• Microsoft Visio

Both these tools have a lot of user reviews and recommendations and having used both of them I can share a few interesting similarities and differences between.

Similarities:

• Both tools have collaboration mode which enables multiple users to access the same system at one time
• A large section of templates for ease in creating workflows and network models
• Drag and drop option providing ease of use
• Tool available on a cloud-based model
• Good customer support 24 x 7
• A lot of training available for ease of learning
• Extensive documentation for references

Differences:

• Costing is very different in both cases. Lucidchart is highly cost-effective as compared to Visio
• Lucidchart is available on android and iOS devices through web portals while Visio does not provide such functionality
• Lucidchart offers higher automation options as compared to Visio
• Faster integration with other tools through open API`s while Visio does not integrate with others. Only export can be done of the file

Based on these factors, I find Lucidchart a better alternative for creating network diagrams. The cost-effective tool also offers a lot of features that an industry leader provides while adding more and more functions to its library. MS Visio has been a standout tool that is extensively used in the industry for creating network diagrams but the cost factor coupled with its hard to use interface gives higher opportunities to new tools to pursue. Lucidchart has managed to get ahead in terms of user experience and costing and this has been a major advantage that they have over Visio. Based on my experience, I would prefer using Lucidchart over Visio or any other tool for creating a network diagram and models.

References:

Lucidchart vs Visio. (0AD). Retrieved from https://www.capterra.com/diagram-software/compare/146136-161413/Lucidchart-vs-Visio

8 Reasons Why Lucidchart Is the Perfect Microsoft Visio Replacement. (2019, June 17). Retrieved from https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/8-reasons-why-lucidchart-is-the-perfect-microsoft-visio-replacement