Online Training, 2009,
Billion Dollar Graphics.
Review by Harris Grossman
Rating:
In a hurry?
Recommendation
Product Preview/Demo
Untitled Document
BizGraphics On Demand is an online application that permits you to download graphics categorized into 50 different graphic types containing over 1,800 graphics and import them into PowerPoint. The graphic types include business, medical, technical, floor plans, flow charting, personal, and many more. The service is compatible with both PCs and Macs.
You can use them in PowerPoint and save in other formats to be used elsewhere. Each month, an additional 200 to 300 graphics are added.
DESCRIPTION
When looking for a graphic in BizGraphics On Line, you select a type from a dropdown menu and view thumbnails of all the graphics for this type. Some types have over 100 thumbnails. The user can do a more selective search within the type.
Selecting a graphic displays a larger thumbnail with a description of the graphic and its usage. When selecting to download, you agree to a license for the graphic. Placing the graphic in the portfolio gives you the opportunity to review graphics prior to purchase.
Graphics are held in your portfolio for 24 hours before the system deletes it. This gives the user ample time to make a decision about using the graphic.
BizGraphics On Demand offers complete concepts with placeholder text and imagery that can be tailored to meet individual needs. Graphics downloaded into PowerPoint can be resized and edited in PowerPoint 2007 and above, including deleting parts, moving them around, and inserting data.
The user can download multiple graphics and combine them to make a new one. The vendor emphasizes that the visuals are designed to communicate information, not just dress up information or serve as eye candy.
The user purchases graphics on a pay-as-you-go or a subscription basis. When using pay-as-you-go, you spend credits purchased for a specific dollar amount in advance. Pay-as-you-go starts at 12 credits for $19.80 USD.
The subscription is intended for high volume users. You purchase a specific number of downloads and receive additional free downloads. Subscription downloads are 40%-80% cheaper than pay as you go. On the current price list, subscriptions top out at 1000 credits for $6,999.00 USD plus 300 free downloads.
Anytime you need help with BizGraphics On Demand, there is a dropdown menu at the top right of the screen. The help explanations are very clear, and the documentation is easy to use.
EVALUATION
BizGraphics On Demand is an application that can help just about anyone who needs attention-getting graphics by saving the time and cost of developing graphics in your organization.
The software is very easy to use, and the graphics are bright and attractively rendered. A lot of time and effort has gone into creating them. However, some of the graphics are very complex, like the "wedding cake" shown above. The complexity can encourage the bad habit, known to PowerPoint audiences, of condensing too much information into a single graphic.
The other risk is that, with so many graphics available, users will fill their reports or presentations with them. Misusing large collections of graphics isn't the vendor's fault. But the pitfall is worth keeping in mind if you use the service or recommend it.
If you can't find the graphic you want, for an additional fee, you can order for a custom graphic.
Recommendation
Without a doubt, I recommend BizGraphics On Demand. You should be able to find graphics for any presentation. You could not develop most of the graphics available from this vendor without spending a lot of money. It is cost effective, and the payment options are tailored to both occasional and heavy long-term use.
Just don't get carried away with squeezing information into the graphics that allow you to do that or littering your report with all sorts of fancy graphics.
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BIZGRAPHICS ON DEMAND
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