Autodesk University

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 2002--Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today that Autodesk(R) Building Systems 3 software is available beginning December 5, 2002. This is the most complete building information modeling application for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineers. Constituting the third release of Autodesk(R) Building Mechanical and Autodesk(R) Building Electrical in just over one year, this new, combined product integrates functionality for all three MEP disciplines into one powerful and cost-effective application that makes it easier to produce accurate construction documents and models. Enhanced engineering-specific features reduce drafting time and improve accuracy, allowing professional engineers to focus more on solving actual building systems design problems. Expanded libraries and content creation tools eliminate the high costs of creating custom and manufacturer-specific equipment and part catalogs.

"Autodesk's Building Systems 3 application allows me to generate three-dimensional models for coordination and planning and two-dimensional building plans for normal day-to-day operations," said Randall S. Harris, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Harris Consulting Engineers, Las Vegas, Nevada. "A 3D rendering of equipment, piping and ductwork shows spatial requirements at a glance, which makes it easier to communicate design intent with other design team members."

The Building Systems application will be showcased at Autodesk University in Las Vegas, Nevada, from December 3-5. Webcasts on the Building Systems application, including a presentation by Randall Harris, will also be held live from Autodesk University on December 4 and 5. To register, please visit http://info.autodesk.com/mk/get/REDIRECT_SIGNUP_Jrn.

Integrated MEP Solution

Incorporating Autodesk(R) Architectural Desktop 3.3 technology directly within the application, this single, stand-alone solution provides flexible tools to quickly and easily create precise digital models of mechanical, electrical and plumbing building systems. A number of enhanced features improve accuracy and reduce the time needed to manually control coordination of construction documentation. For example, engineers can now design duct and pipe runs more quickly by using the application's suggested solutions to layout problems that use predefined paths. Interference detection capabilities also save time by helping detect clashes among mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and the architectural structure.

Coordination mistakes that often occur in multiple, unrelated 2D drawings are eliminated. Since all design changes are dynamically linked, MEP engineers and architects can work together on the most up-to-date building information model, ensuring engineering documentation coordination.

Expanded content libraries for each of the disciplines and easy-to-use content creation tools reduce the costs of creating customized and manufacturer-specific equipment and part catalogs. With the Parametric Content Builder, for example, engineers can use one model definition to create hundreds of similar parts such as filters, dampers and strainers. The improved content builder wizard lets designers easily create custom, view-dependent components with intelligent connectors and property sets for scheduling and then place these components in catalogs. Metric content that satisfies U.S. General Services Administration standards can be modified to satisfy differing standards in different geographical regions.

Product Availability

Autodesk Building Systems 3 will be available beginning December 5, 2002, in International English in North America and in many countries in Europe. Current subscribers of Autodesk Building Mechanical and Autodesk Building Electrical will receive this software release as part of their subscription. Expanded content for the UK is planned to be available approximately 60-90 days following the December 5 release.

For more information on purchasing the Building Systems application, contact an Autodesk Authorized 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 and digital media creation, management, and distribution company. The company serves a diverse portfolio of markets, including building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering tools that foster innovation and creativity, Autodesk helps customers throughout the value chain use digital design data to work better, faster, and smarter. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

Note to Editors: Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

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