First is a PocketPC and Windows Mobile application for creating and viewing associative diagrams. First is very simple to use, yet powerful enough for advanced applications. Use First to create great-looking flowcharts, concept maps, org charts, network diagrams or whatever else you need -- right on your PocketPC PDA or phone. This is a great way to capture important concepts in class, at customer sites, or on the trail.

Some of the important features you'll find in First:

• Dynamic shapes adjust in real-time as you drag them
• Rich formatting options, colors, fonts, linewidth and more
• Associative links remain connected as shapes are moved
• Cross-document links allow you to drill-down for details
• Customizable shapes, by name, properties and more
• Customizable shape attributes hold your own custom data
• Customizable shape library with only the shapes you need
• Atrribute-base inremental search with smooth panning
• Document templates for commonly-created diagrams
• Complete Undo/Redo support
• Command history saved in documents, so you never lose work
• List view for rapid editing
• ActiveSync-based XML, WMF, BMP export so you can get your diagrams into reports and presentations on your PC

Unlike some other applications, First has been designed specifically for PocketPC pen-based devices. Every aspect of the software has been carefully considered to create the most productive and enjoyable experience possible. For example, reuse of UI components means fewer things to learn to become a power user, and minimizes the resources required to store and run the application, leaving more memory for your diagrams and other files.

First provides a library of built-in associative shapes. As these shapes are moved, resized or otherwise modified the others in the diagram react and adjust themselves appropriately. Each type of shape has specialized intelligence and reacts according to its own set of rules. In addition, any shape can be converted to another shape at a whim without deleting then recreating it all while preserving all existing associations.

In addition, you can create shapes, libraries and document templates to automate repetitive tasks and get a head start on tasks. Almost every aspect of diagram creation can be customized to meet your needs, and those of your customers.

First Filter is an accessory to First (included) that allows diagram documents to be synchonized between your handheld and PC. FirstFilter converts First’s proprietary .DIA files to your choice of picture (WMF), bitmap (BMP) and DiagramML (DML) files. Also, FirstFilter will also convert DML files on the PC into diagram documents on the handheld as they are synchronized. This powerful feature allows you to share compact DML files via email, or save them for archival. And, in the spirit of open collaboration, DML is fully documented on this site which allows other software applications to create DML files you can use with First on your PDA.

Some other PocketPC applications build functions to export different formats in the software on the device, thus increasing the space required to store and run it. First takes a different approach by implementing export functions in an ActiveSync filter that resides on the desktop machine. This gives you the ability to convert First diagrams to other common formats as a part of the normal synchronization and without increasing the size of the software on the PDA -- truly the best of both worlds, and a result of designing specifically for your mobile device.