Latest Release Improves Efficiency in Design Workflow, Enhances Collaboration,

and Provides Greater Flexibility in Implementation and Use

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today the immediate availability of Autodesk(R) Architectural Desktop 2005, the most widely adopted object-CAD-based application for architects. Architectural Desktop 2005 software provides a familiar workflow and interface with no file format change, minimizing the need for training. Architects skilled in the AutoCAD(R) platform can immediately increase productivity with Architectural Desktop, benefiting from the software's ability to automate tedious construction detailing tasks and quickly generate plans, sections, elevations, and schedules. New features enable designers to more easily create, manage, and share building information.

"With Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2005, we can be more efficient in how we work, and think more about the building and how its different components are detailed," said Ben Barnert, senior principal, HOK Sport + Venue + Event. "That's essential with the increasingly tight schedule for our facilities."

Incorporating advances in the AutoCAD 2005 platform, the latest release of Architectural Desktop software increases efficiency in design workflow through improved drawing file management. Collaboration with consultants, particularly mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (M/E/P) engineers, is also enhanced through object-level compatibility with Autodesk(R) Building Systems 2005 software and broad support for industry-standard file formats and interoperability standards.

Increased Productivity in Construction Documentation

New features in Architectural Desktop 2005 enable architects to significantly increase their productivity in creating and managing construction documents. The new "Details" feature streamlines the process of creating construction details by providing an extensive library of detail components, automated routines to draw details more quickly, and powerful editing tools to modify detail components. In addition, new features automate the traditionally time-consuming and error-prone tasks of keynoting and annotating, helping save time and improve accuracy.

Greater Efficiency in Design Workflow

With Architectural Desktop 2005, architects can be more efficient in their management of drawing files. The new Sheet Set Manager from AutoCAD 2005 is now integrated into the Project Navigator-the drawing management system of Architectural Desktop. Using the Project Navigator, designers can easily create, manage, and publish sheet sets since all elevations, sections, details, schedules, sheet sets, call outs, and general annotation are coordinated. The tight connection between drawing creation and publishing helps reduce the likelihood of costly construction documentation errors. In addition, design workflow is further enhanced by the ability to rapidly visualize design concepts using VIZRender 2, which is fully integrated into Architectural Desktop 2005 software.

Enhanced Collaboration and Support for Data Integration

Reflecting Autodesk's ongoing commitment to openness, Architectural Desktop 2005 has exposed additional APIs for third-party development of niche applications that extend its value in such areas as building performance analyses. With the exposed APIs and improvements in the Space Object, architects can more easily share building information with M/E/P engineers using Autodesk Building Systems 2005 for engineering analysis.

To facilitate data integration, Architectural Desktop 2005 supports industry-standard file formats, including DWG and DXF(TM), as well as the DWF(TM) open, secure file format that helps building industry professionals share design data to more efficiently collaborate and communicate throughout project lifecycles. The product also complies with current International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) standards through a partner-developed IAI- certified translator for Architectural Desktop 2005, which supports Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) 2x.

Flexibility in Implementation and Use

More flexible installation options provide greater control for deployment of Autodesk Architectural Desktop across the firm. Architectural Desktop 2005 is fully compatible with the 2004 family of products and can be used in mixed environments where both Architectural Desktop 2004 and 2005 can be used on the same project, without file compatibility issues. These factors, combined with the product's usability improvements, facilitate adoption of Architectural Desktop 2005.

Product Availability

Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2005 is available immediately in most countries worldwide in International English and in German. Other localized versions are expected to be available in the future. When combined with Autodesk(R) Subscription, Architectural Desktop delivers the latest releases and enhancements of Autodesk software, personalized Web support direct from Autodesk technical experts, and self-paced training developed by Autodesk to help extend product skills. For more information on purchasing Autodesk Architectural Desktop software, contact an Authorized Autodesk Reseller, call Autodesk at 800-964-6432, or visit www.autodesk.com.

About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc., is the world's leading design software and digital content company. Autodesk offers solutions for professionals in building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering progressive products and services, Autodesk helps customers create, manage, use and maximize the value of their digital data throughout the lifecycle of their projects. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com. For more information on Autodesk's building design solutions see www.autodesk.com/buildingdesign.

NOTE: Autodesk, AutoCAD, DXF, and DWF 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.

Contact: Carol Lettieri, 415-507-6908

Email: carol.lettieri@autodesk.com

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc. -0- 03/31/2004 /CONTACT: Carol Lettieri of Autodesk, Inc., +1-415-507-6908, or carol.lettieri@autodesk.com/ /Web site: http://www.autodesk.com / (ADSK) CO: Autodesk, Inc. ST: California IN: CPR STW MLM CST SU: PDT MP-MW -- SFW028 -- 5109 03/31/2004 08:30 EST http://www.prnewswire.com