In conjunction with the release of Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, Software FX is offering Chart FX for Visual Studio 2005 where integrated development environment (IDE) integration and easy deployment are large aspects of this new incarnation of one of the leading data visualization and charting solution for developers. Chart FX for Visual Studio 2005 offers unprecedented integration to Visual Studio 2005 Smart Tags, out-of-band callbacks and Visual Studio 2005 themes. This will allow developers to easily connect to data sources, create and configure charts that are fully integrated with other elements and controls and quickly and effectively deploy these charts in complex computing environments.

Although most developers actively use third-party components as part of their applications and solutions, the complexities and the different integration mechanisms offered can challenge adoption and developer productivity. While Chart FX for Visual Studio 2005 can be as complex as developers require, Software FX has redesigned almost all aspects of Chart FX, including but not limited to the application program interface (API), IDE integration, documentation, visuals and deployment capabilities to assure that achieving common tasks is as simple as working with any other feature of Visual Studio 2005, such as a calendar or a grid. With 13 years of experience in the data visualization market and hundreds of thousands of customers, Software FX understands that many developers do not need more complexity in their components and solutions but an easier way to integrate and exploit these tools.

"While most vendors have taken a neutral approach to Visual Studio 2005 and simply adapted their current offerings for compatibility, we took a more holistic approach to Visual Studio 2005 and created a truly integrated experience for developers using Chart FX," said Rene Garcia, president of Software FX. "For example, our Smart Tag Wizard lets developers access some of the most powerful features of the product without pop-up dialogs or wizards that can alienate the development experience. Also, the out-of-band callbacks in Visual Studio 2005 allowed us to build a fully interactive DHTML engine which allows interactivity in the browser without the need of deploying platform dependent components such as ActiveX or the .NET Framework 1.1. For end users this means enhanced data analysis capabilities, and for developers and IT this translates to easier maintenance and enhanced security."

In addition, Software FX is also releasing Chart FX Visual Studio 2005 extensions, which allow developers to add specific functionality for complex data visualization and charting needs in areas such as Financial, Business Intelligence (OLAP), Statistical, Mapping and Gauges. Having these options makes Chart FX and Visual Studio 2005 a good solution for developers to build enterprise-grade dashboards.

"Microsoft and SoftwareFX mutual customers will benefit from the Visual Studio 2005 data visualization and reporting solutions made possible using SoftwareFX components," said Christopher Flores, group product manager of the .NET Developer Product Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. "The integration with Visual Studio 2005 will increase developer productivity and reduce complexity."