SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sep 08, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), a world leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, today announced that Austin Energy has selected Autodesk Utility Design (AUD) as their distribution design solution. The Autodesk Utility Design solution will interface with the utility's Geographic Information System (GIS) software, enabling Austin to optimize its CAD-based facility and network design using more accurate data and smoother processes.

"Austin Energy sought to replace their existing distribution design software with a CAD-based solution that will enable them to leverage existing AutoCAD software investment and skills," said Alan Saunders, senior industry manager, utilities, at Autodesk. "Selecting AUD will help their 40 distribution designers to standardize designs, control costs, and enhance productivity."

Austin Energy

The nation's ninth-largest community-owned electric utility, Austin Energy serves approximately 400,000 customers in the Texas capital and surrounding county. Austin Energy is noted for its industry-leading renewable-energy, smart grid, and green building programs, and generates up to 2,600 megawatts of electricity through a diverse mix of energy sources. As a publicly-owned power company and a city department, Austin Energy returns profits to the community annually, funding city services and amenities.

Smart Grids Require Smart Design

One of the challenges Austin Energy faced in choosing a design solution arose from them being a department of the City of Austin. Austin Energy had been using GE Smallworld GIS software, while the City of Austin was using ESRI GIS software. Since AUD can more easily and accurately integrate data from both of those systems, Austin Energy chose AUD so its designers could have better access to the relevant information they need in order to create smart designs.

Autodesk Utility Design replaces a system that was disconnected from GIS and other key systems within Austin Energy. With AUD, Austin Energy will be able to bridge its multiple GIS platforms while leveraging its existing AutoCAD footprint and talent-- making it a more economical, safe and flexible choice.

Uniting Design Inputs and Processes

Autodesk Utility Design software was also chosen for tools that help speed and simplify layout, sizing, documentation and analysis. "AUD supports standard engineering rules and calculations as well as Austin Energy's specific utility standards," said Saunders.

In addition to providing direct access to GIS data, AUD enables developer drawings and other external inputs to be imported more easily. AUD also automatically generates cost estimates and bills of material, so designers have information they need connected to a foundation of rules and standards.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries - including the last 15 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects - use Autodesk software to design, visualize, and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2010 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk
Brett Smith, 415-547-2405
brett.smith@autodesk.com