3D Visualization and Digital Prototypes Key Factors in Faster Development of Scanning Products that Increase Safety at Airports and Other Public Spaces

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced that Rapiscan Systems (Rapiscan), a leading supplier of security inspection solutions that utilize X-ray, gamma ray imaging and advanced threat identification imaging, has been named as the Autodesk Inventor of the Month for February 2007. The Inventor of the Month program (http://mfgcommunity.autodesk.com/events/inventors/) recognizes the most innovative design and engineering advancements made by the extensive community of customers using Autodesk Inventor software, the world's best-selling 3D mechanical design software and best choice for 3D design.

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Since 1993, Rapiscan has installed over 60,000 products in more than 50 countries, from metal detectors and automated explosive detection systems, to container inspection systems. Rapiscan's systems are in use at airports, government and corporate buildings, correctional and prison facilities, postal facilities, military zones, seaports and border crossings.

The technologies utilized in the security systems range from X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, to advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. To design these complex solutions, Rapiscan relies on Autodesk Inventor software, which extends the power of 2D into a model-based environment.

"With Autodesk Inventor Software, we saw a significant opportunity to integrate 2D and 3D modeling, and in doing so, turn our designs into products faster," said Peter Williamson, General Manager and Executive Vice President at Rapiscan. "We have greatly reduced the amount of prototyping we need to do. More importantly, we cut the time required to get our latest and most effective products out into the marketplace where they can make a real impact on public safety and security."

Rapiscan attended training provided by authorized Autodesk Premier Solutions Provider KETIV Technologies Inc. to gain even further benefit from its investment in Autodesk Inventor software. The training, referred to as KETIV-U, allowed Rapiscan to learn advanced topics and swiftly unlock the value of their new purchase.

Rapiscan uses Inventor software to quickly and easily create 3D digital prototypes of its products, which contain anywhere from 300 to 1000 plus parts. This 3D visualization lets the company simulate and analyze the performance of their design early in the design process, giving them the flexibility to optimize and improve their designs before they are real.

"Companies like Rapiscan are saving time, money and valuable resources by aggressively implementing digital prototypes into their digital workflow," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, vice president of Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions. "Their use of Inventor is helping to maintain a leadership position in a fast- growing market space. We are pleased to name Rapiscan as our Inventor of the Month for February."

Each month, Autodesk selects an Inventor of the Month from the more than 600,000 users of Autodesk Inventor software, its best-selling 3D mechanical design software. Winners are chosen for engineering excellence and groundbreaking innovation. For more information on Autodesk Inventor of the Month, contact us at IOM@autodesk.com.

About Rapiscan Systems

Rapiscan Systems, a division of OSI Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of high quality security inspection solutions utilizing X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments; Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 50,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network. For more information on Rapiscan Systems, please visit www.rapiscansystems.com.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, Autodesk Inventor, and Inventor 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: Carly Herrig 312.233.1356 Andrew Favreau 312.297.7587
Email: carly.herrig@edelman.com andrew.favreau@edelman.com

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc. 02/22/2007


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9598 02/22/2007 08:30 EST http://www.prnewswire.com