PLANO, Texas, March 15, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Ameri-CAD, Inc. today announced support for Autodesk(R) Architectural Desktop 2006, next generation AutoCAD(R)-based building design and documentation software from Autodesk, Inc., (Nasdaq: ADSK) the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media and wireless data services fields. Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006 delivers flexibility in both implementation and use, the efficiency of real-world building objects, and the very best AutoCAD-based design and documentation productivity for architects.

With Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006, architects can create, manage and share design information, ultimately resulting in immediate design and documentation productivity. VisionREZ is built on Architectural Desktop, adding power and value for the residential user through many custom features including a residential roof object with automated framing layouts and bill of materials.

Autodesk provides an open application-programming interface (API) that allows developers to customize Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006 for specific vertical markets, extending the reach of the industry standard DWG file format. All VisionREZ objects take advantage of the new Autodesk Architectural Desktop Publish-to-DWF(TM) capability, which contains intelligent metadata in both 2D and 3D.

VisionREZ is a process that is ready to use "out of the box" for the residential market. Working in the familiar 2D plan view, pre-defined settings allow simultaneous creation of construction documents, rendered models and bill of materials, all generated from one model.

"By integrating with the latest features in Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006, Ameri-CAD enables our joint home design and construction customers to reduce design times by an order of magnitude," said Jay Bhatt, vice president of Autodesk's Building Solutions Division. "We are delighted to have the immediate support of Ameri-CAD for Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006."

Jimmy Moore, chief executive officer of Ameri-CAD notes, "Ameri-CAD values its long-term relationship with Autodesk, as a Unique Application Reseller (UAR) and a Registered Developer. Autodesk is an excellent partner allowing niche firms to leverage the Autodesk name, powerful Autodesk products, the industry standard DWG file format, and an extensive network of resellers. With Autodesk support, we believe that our new VisionREZ product will become "The Language of Building(R)" for the residential industry, allowing us to bring consolidation to a very fragmented market."

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With six million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency, and maximizing profits.

Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.

The Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) is comprised of more than 2500 technology partners around the world, that extend Autodesk solutions to meet the industry-specific needs of customers. New 2006-compatible applications from ADN partners are launched every day at: www.autodesk.com/partnerproducts.

About Ameri-CAD, The Language of Building(R).

Ameri-CAD is a privately held company established in 1989 that enhances and innovates product development for the residential AEC industry. Through architectural services, software development, and process development, Ameri-CAD assists residential builders, architects and designers to develop product more effectively.

Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

NOTE: Autodesk, AutoCAD and DWF are 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.

CONTACT: Jay Moore of Ameri-CAD, +1-972-596-6525, ext 219, or jay@americad.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Jay Moore of Ameri-CAD, +1-972-596-6525, ext 219, or jay@americad.com