April 17 - 3:25pm EDT   CS Odessa today released ConceptDraw 7.6 an update to its drawing and business diagramming software package. The professional business graphics software permits users to create sophisticated and high-quality organization charts, flowcharts and business graphics as well as the ability to create network and database diagrams. Version 7.6 includes a specialized flowchart library as well as traditional flowcharting shapes with more than 150 objects available for use. ConceptDraw 7.6 also significantly improves text editing performance and support of Chinese and Arabic characters. ConceptDraw 7.6 is a no charge update for all registered users of ConceptDraw 7.x. Owners ... [full story]

December 1 - 1:25pm EST   The Omni Group recently announced a public beta for OmniGraffle 5.0, its diagramming and concept visualization software, adding in the ability to directly open Visio VSD files. The new version uses an entirely new engine in order to increase the speed of drawing and laying out ideas, and has more powerful tools, like the standalone and connecting line tools creating bezier curves. The toolbar has also been updated, allowing for easier access to common text and object formatting tools. The beta is currently underway, and The Omni Group will sell the Standard and Professional versions for $100 and $200 respectively. [full story]