Industry Standard AutoCAD Software to Ship on Windows 95; Microsoft Recognizes Autodesk As A Key Software Developer

Business Wire, April 24, 1995

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 1995--Today, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD), the world's largest provider of computer-aided design (CAD) software, is previewing the latest version of its market leading AutoCAD(R) software on the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 95 operating system at the Windows World trade show.

Demonstrations of AutoCAD Release 13 software running under Windows 95 Beta Version M8 can be found in Microsoft's third-party developer booth No. 7616.

"We have been working closely with Microsoft to ensure that AutoCAD Release 13 is available shortly after Windows 95 begins shipping," said Robert Carr, vice president of the engineering group at Autodesk. "As an intensive graphical application, AutoCAD benefits from the technologies provided in the new generation of Windows operating systems. AutoCAD Release 13 software is a true 32-bit application, designed to take full advantage of the increased performance and inherent benefits of Windows 95 and other 32-bit operating systems."

"The combination of AutoCAD Release 13 and Microsoft Windows 95 is terrific for customers," said Deborah Epstein-Celis, Windows 95 product manager at Microsoft Corporation. "Now design and drafting professionals can run a rich 32-bit CAD application on a mainstream 32-bit desktop operating system, and unleash the full power of their software."

To aid in this operating system transition, Autodesk is expanding the multiplatform license of AutoCAD Release 13 software to include Windows 95 -- as well as Windows NT(R), Windows 3.1, and DOS -- for current and new Release 13 users.

AutoCAD Release 13 software running under Windows 95 will be logo compliant, which includes features such as OLE 2.0, drag and drop capability and support for long file names. Another benefit of the 32-bit environment is the ability to run multiple sessions of AutoCAD Release 13, which is not possible in Windows 3.1 or DOS environments. This, in addition to a number of new technologies delivered in AutoCAD Release 13 software, such as the new object-oriented technology, provides a foundation for the next generation of design automation products from Autodesk and its partners.

AutoCAD Release 13 software has received wide acclaim by users and the CAD industry for its new user interface. As a result of the new user interface and the performance benefits of the 32-bit operating systems, Autodesk anticipates that the AutoCAD Windows community, as well as AutoCAD DOS users, will quickly migrate to the Windows 95 or Windows NT operating systems. Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of computer-aided design software and the fifth-largest PC software company. The company develops, markets, and supports a family of design and professional multimedia software and component technologies for use on personal computers and workstations. A global company since its founding in 1982, Autodesk markets products in 118 countries and 18 languages. Autodesk shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ACAD. For more information on Autodesk, please call 415/332-2344 or type GO ADESK on CompuServe(R). -0-

Note to Editors: Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, and AutoCAD are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. Microsoft, Windows NT, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. CompuServe is a registered trademark of H & R Block. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Autodesk, Inc.

Jennifer Heller, 415/507-6536

Email: jennifer.heller@autodesk.com