Autodesk Delivers First AutoCAD 2002 Platform-Based Extensions for Subscription Members

Business Wire, Sept 26, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 26, 2001

New Product Enhancements for AutoCAD Platform-Based

Products Include Tools for CAD Management,

Electronic Publishing, and Digital Signatures

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced the availability of three downloadable product extensions for Autodesk Subscription Program members. The new extensions include a set of CAD Manager utilities, an electronic publishing tool, and a digital signature enabler for design files, enhancing the functionality of the Autodesk(R) products built on the new AutoCAD(R) 2002 platform, including Autodesk(R) Architectural Desktop 3.3, Autodesk(R) Mechanical Desktop(R) 6, AutoCAD(R) Mechanical 6 and Autodesk(R) Map 5.

"Autodesk developed its new subscription program in response to customers' need for a simpler and less disruptive way to keep their Autodesk software up-to-date and supported," said Jeff Drust, vice president of e-business. "Through extensions and e-Learning, subscription customers can obtain the benefits of productivity and new functionality as it is developed."

Available to all Autodesk customers, the Autodesk Subscription Program provides real-time access to the latest design technology without the hassle and expense of upgrades. Subscribers acquire new product releases and receive incremental extensions as they become available, without the individual purchase, implementation, and training required of full product upgrades. Subscription members can choose whether to download a particular extension based on their needs.

"The new Autodesk extensions provide us with an easy and secure means of sharing and delivering designs," said David Claflin, a beta tester and associate at Klipp Colussy Jenks DuBois. "These capabilities will help us verify correct versions, thereby saving time and money."

Extension Functionality

The CAD Manager's Extension allows CAD managers to search their network for Autodesk products and related components, including product extensions, service packs, object enablers, and Express Tools, and then create reports detailing their company's Autodesk-based software assets.

The Electronic Plotting Extension allows designers to share their work electronically in a secure format with the same visual and plotting fidelity as the AutoCAD-based product that created it. Using a viewer product like Volo(TM) View, this extension allows for the accuracy of plotting to paper and saves the time and money involved with distributing hard-copy output by facilitating collaboration through e-mail, the Internet, and Buzzsaw, the leading provider of online project collaboration and print management services.

The Digital Signature Extension allows users to digitally sign engineering drawings, providing a more secure environment for sharing and distributing drawings electronically. A digitally signed drawing can be verified for origin -- who signed the drawing; state -- whether it has been altered; and repudiation -- signer cannot disown the drawing. Subscription members will be directed to the VeriSign(R) website, the leading provider of trust services, where they can purchase digital signatures.

Autodesk Subscription Program

For a fixed annual fee, the Autodesk Subscription Program provides licensed users with incremental, feature-enhancing extensions that boost functionality and simplify the upgrade process. It also provides members e-Learning modules for extensions and a convenient, one-stop access point to their accounts through the Autodesk(R) Point A website, an industry-specific, personal, global access point to Autodesk products, services, and support. For further information on the Autodesk Subscription Program, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company. Founded in 1982, Autodesk provides design software, Internet portal services, wireless development platforms, and point-of-location applications that empower more than four million customers in over 150 countries to drive business and remain competitive. For more information, contact any Authorized Autodesk Reseller, call Autodesk at 800-964-6432, or visit www.autodesk.com.

Note to Editors: Autodesk, AutoCAD, and Volo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.