SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 15, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced that H. Wayne Hodgins, Autodesk solutions evangelist, has been granted the Hans Karlsson Award for Leadership and Achievement through Collaboration from the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) Computer Society. The IEEE Computer Society recognized Hodgins' progress in establishing the world's first accredited standard for learning and technology. The award has been given by the organization only five times in more than 12 years.

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"Wayne has extraordinary leadership and vision that led to the first learning technology standard and was instrumental in moving an entire industry to pursue a standards-based rather than a proprietary approach," Stephen L. Diamond, 2003 President, IEEE Computer Society.

The IEEE Computer Society selected Hodgins based on nominations and recommendations from his peers, citing his success and leadership in education. In his role at Autodesk, Hodgins is responsible for increasing human performance of Autodesk employees, partners and customers. Hodgins is also currently the chair of the IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee for Learning Objects Metadata and serves as special advisor to influential government and industry groups, such as the U.S. Navy, the European Commission Industrial Advisory Board and the European CEN/ISS Standards Body.

"It has truly been an amazing journey," said Hodgins. "While we are only at the beginning, it is stunning how much we have already accomplished by creating several of the world's first accredited standards for learning and technology, and with many more on the way."

Also honored at the annual IEEE Computer Society Board of Governors awards ceremony was Bjarne Stroustrup, who received the 2004 Computer Entrepreneur Award for his work, which includes the design and implementation of C++; Martin Richards, who received the 2003 Computer Pioneer Award for his pioneering system of software portability through the design in 1967 of the programming language BCPL; and Victor Hayes, who received the 2001 Hans Karlsson award and is typically referred to as "the father of the IEEE 802.11 wireless standards."

About the Hans Karlsson Award

This award, given by the IEEE Computer Society, was established in 1992 in memory of Hans Karlsson, chairman and father of the IEEE 1301 family of standards. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding skills and dedication to diplomacy, team facilitation and joint achievement, in areas of the computer industry where individual aspirations, corporate and organizational rivalry could otherwise be counter to the common good.

About the IEEE Computer Society

IEEE Computer Society is the world's leading association of computing professionals with 100,000 members in over 140 countries. Founded in 1946 and today the largest society within the IEEE, this not-for-profit organization is the authoritative provider of technical information and services for computing communities worldwide. It offers a full range of career enhancing products and services through its 124,000-article digital library, 20+ peer-reviewed print publications, distance learning courseware, online technical books, 150 technical conferences, standards development, 32 technical committees, certification for software professionals, 200 local society chapters, awards and scholarships, and much more. Visit IEEE Computer Society at http://www.computer.org .

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 data and 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.

NOTE: 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.

CONTACT: Nicole Pack of Autodesk, Inc., +1-415-507-6282, or nicole.pack@autodesk.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Nicole Pack of Autodesk, Inc., +1-415-507-6282, or nicole.pack@autodesk.com