Autodesk Delivers on Commitment to Data Exchange Mechanisms by Meeting IFC2x2 Code Checking View for Architecture

SINGAPORE, April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced a major milestone in support for open data exchange mechanisms in Autodesk(R) Revit(R) Building 8, Autodesk's software solution built specifically to meet the needs of customers doing Building Information Modeling. Export of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data from Revit Building 8 has achieved stage one certification by the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) for meeting the IFC2x2 code checking view for architecture. Meeting the IFC2X2 code checking view specification is a pre-requisite for compliance with Singapore Building and Construction Authority's automatic plan checking system, CORENET e-Plan Check system. The software is currently in the review process for final, stage two certification.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO )

"Singapore's CORENET ePlan Check system is a terrific example of a practical application of a data exchange mechanism that is now moving from theory into practice," said Phil Bernstein, FAIA, and Vice President, Autodesk Building Solutions. "We are pleased to support this initiative, which has real, tangible benefits that allow architects and building industry professionals to realize their ideas while laying the groundwork for even more advantages in the future."

The certifications of export of IFC data from Autodesk Revit Building 8 is the latest example of Autodesk's commitment to supporting open, standards-based data exchange mechanisms in its products. These mechanisms currently include DXF, DWF(TM), XML, gbXML, and LandXML. Autodesk has played an active role in industry standard-setting bodies including STEP and IGES and is a founding member of the IAI. IAI certified support for IFCs is currently provided in Autodesk(R) Architectural Desktop through G.E.M. Team Solutions GbR.

"Autodesk's drive for code-check certification of IFC Export from Autodesk Revit Building 8 marks an important step towards process improvement and information sharing in design and construction," said Jerry Laiserin, Editor of The LaiserinLetter(TM) technology advisory service. "When an industry leader like Autodesk takes on this kind of commitment, it contributes in a very real way to the credibility and potential success of the entire IFC project".

The IFC format is an open standard for data exchange and offers a visionary tool for information sharing using familiar object technology. Singapore's CORENET e-Plan Check system is a web-based automated plan-checking application based on IFC data, and consists of several modules that can be used by building professionals in Singapore that require regulatory approvals for building projects.

"We are pleased that a market leader like Autodesk is actively supporting the IFC initiative. This important endorsement will effectively avail Singapore's CORENET e-Plan Check system to a much larger community of building designers, who are existing users of Autodesk's products," said Wong Wai Ching, Director, Building Plan and Management Division, Building and Construction Authority. "As Singapore is gearing up for some spectacular investments in the building & construction industry, the CORENET e-Plan Check system will play a key role in the regulatory approval process. The success of CORENET will be a beacon for Singapore's leadership in the usage of technology to streamline processes."

A Comprehensive Portfolio of Software Solutions for the Building Industry

With the right combination of leading-edge technologies, decades of proven industry experience, and unparalleled, worldwide services, Autodesk offers the most comprehensive portfolio of software products for the building industry. Ranging from the most advanced technology for building information modeling (BIM) to the most widely adopted design and documentation solutions, Autodesk supports information and management needs through the building lifecycle. Building solutions products include Autodesk Revit Building, Autodesk Architectural Desktop, Autodesk(R) Building Systems, and Autodesk(R) AutoCAD(R) Revit(R) Series.

About Singapore Building and Construction Authority

The Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is a statutory board under the auspices of Singapore's Ministry of National Development. It was established on 1 April 1999 as a result of the merger between the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and the Building Control Division of the Public Works Department (PWD). The mission of BCA is to develop an advanced and competitive construction industry.

About IAI

The International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) exists to provide a universal basis for process improvement and information sharing in the construction and facilities management industries, using Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) as an open standard to improve communication throughout the whole building life cycle. The first chapter of the IAI was established in June 1995, and today grown to 11 chapters worldwide. Since 2004, the IAI has been incorporated as IAI International Council Limited and is based in London. For additional information about IAI and IFC, please visit http://www.iai-international.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.

We may make statements regarding planned or future development efforts for our existing or new products and services. These statements are not intended to be a promise or guarantee of future delivery of products, services or features but merely reflect our current plans, which may change. Purchasing decisions should not be made based upon reliance on these statements.

NOTE: Autodesk, AutoCAD and Revit are registered 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: Noah Cole of Autodesk, +1-415-547-2405, or noah.cole@autodesk.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.
04/27/2005
CONTACT: Noah Cole of Autodesk, +1-415-547-2405, or noah.cole@autodesk.com
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Web site: http://www.autodesk.com