Third Annual Evaluation Verifies Impact of Enhancements

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Architects and other design professionals can complete projects even faster using new features in Autodesk's AutoCAD 2006 software, according to a recent research study completed by a top independent IT consulting firm. Study participants using new features in AutoCAD 2006 completed typical design and documentation tasks 29 percent faster than participants using AutoCAD 2002. The study suggests AutoCAD 2006 software helps enhance users' ability realize their design ideas more quickly than ever before.

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"This study verifies what we hear from customers -- that AutoCAD 2006 software helps them cut the time it takes to complete everyday design tasks, so they can focus on innovation," said John Sanders, vice president of Autodesk's Platform Technology Division. "As has been the case with prior releases, upgrading to the latest version of AutoCAD software helps users work more efficiently and cost-effectively, which can give them a competitive advantage."

AutoCAD 2006 is the latest version of the world's leading customizable and extendable CAD software for drafting, detailing and design. The software has produced significant time-savings for the Sacramento Airport Authority. "In the last year, AutoCAD has helped us to complete our tenant lease plan processes faster and saved approximately an entire week of work," said Don Wilson, CAD manager, Sacramento Airport Authority.

The AutoCAD 2006 Productivity Study, conducted by Cambashi Limited, a United Kingdom-based group of IT experts, found that new features including Dynamic Blocks, improved hatching and enhanced tables provided the greatest gains for users. Exercises were based on the detailing and scheduling of a typical residential floor-plan, and included tasks that make use of the most common AutoCAD functions as well as new features in AutoCAD 2006.

AutoCAD 2006 Availability

AutoCAD 2006 is available worldwide in English and 13 other languages, and can be purchased through Autodesk Authorized Resellers (www.autodesk.com/reseller). The easiest way for customers to keep Autodesk design tools up-to-date is through the Autodesk Subscription Program. For more information on AutoCAD 2006, please visit www.autodesk.com/autocad. Study results are available at www.autodesk.com/autocadproductivity.

About Cambashi Limited

Cambashi Limited was founded in 1984, and has successfully completed over 2500 projects for clients ranging from the world's largest enterprises to small vendors and dealers.

Cambashi is based in Cambridge in the United Kingdom and its expertise is supplemented by a network of partners and associates throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and Japan.

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 and AutoCAD 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: Celia Webb of Autodesk, +1-415-350-5265, or celia.webb@autodesk.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.
CONTACT:
Celia Webb of Autodesk,
+1-415-350-5265,
or celia.webb@autodesk.com
Web site: http://www.autodesk.com
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