SAN RAFAEL, Calif. & SYDNEY, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2002--Autodesk, Inc., (Nasdaq:ADSK) the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced that the Smart Measurements Group, part of Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), has stated a 50-percent reduction in the design time of an Eccentricity Measuring Device by using Autodesk Inventor(R) 3D design software.

CSIRO is one of the world's most diverse scientific research institutions. The Smart Measurements Group, part of the CSIRO's Division of Telecommunications and Industrial Physics, recently used Autodesk Inventor software to design an Eccentricity Measuring Device

• a machine used to determine the variation in wall thickness of nominally circular tubing. The group selected Autodesk Inventor software for its ease-of-use, cost-effectiveness, and ability to save time in design development.

"Achieving this type of quick project turn around with a 50 percent reduction in design time is a great benefit to CSIRO. It means the organization can take on more projects ensuring its long-term viability," said Bruce Gaffney, senior technical officer, Smart Measurements Group, CSIRO.

A range of tubing manufacturers have shown great interest in CSIRO's device, demonstrating its strong export potential. The original device was designed using Autodesk(R) Mechanical Desktop(R) software. However, when the next generation device needed to be designed, CSIRO wanted to try Autodesk Inventor. The result was that CSIRO reduced its design cycle time from eight to three weeks and eliminated the need to build physical prototypes.

According to Gaffney, Autodesk Inventor software is intuitive and delivers productivity quickly. "We had a staff member who had never used a computer before, let alone design software. He was able to design effectively in 3D within two days of first using Autodesk Inventor software," said Gaffney.

Designing in 3D with the software has also assisted the CSIRO in the process for securing funds for new projects. With Autodesk Inventor, design teams create accurate visualizations of proposed projects, which scientists can take with them to project reviews in order to secure funds for their development.

"Autodesk Inventor has become an integral part of the development of successful applied research projects by helping the CSIRO develop innovative designs in shorter timeframes and with greater ease," said Andre Pravaz, regional director of Autodesk South Asia Pacific.

CSIRO Smart Measurements Group plans to standardize on Autodesk Inventor software throughout the group and to continue to use Autodesk Authorized Systems Center CADGroup to supply and support the software. CADGroup is an Autodesk Authorized Systems Center that designs, implements, and maintains systems for Architecture/Engineering, Mechanical/Manufacturing, GIS/Mapping, Document Management and Application Development.

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.

Note to Editors: Autodesk and Autodesk Inventor are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the United States and/or certain other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks are used solely for the purpose of identification and belong to their respective holders.

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