SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced it is a recipient of a 2007 Rising Star Award from the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC). The award honors Autodesk as the fastest-growing software manufacturer in its revenue class, among firms doing business with GTDC member distributors.

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

The GTDC Rising Star awards program recognizes the impressive success IT manufacturers and publishers are having in partnership with IT distributors. The GTDC presents first-, second- and third-place awards in each of three revenue categories based on GTDC member sales and vendors' U.S. revenue growth, as reported by industry research organization The NPD Group in its Distributor Track service. Autodesk was selected as the first-place winner in the $100 million to $500 million category.

"Our distribution partners are integral to our business, so it's an honor for Autodesk to be recognized by GTDC," said Ken Bado, executive vice president of worldwide sales at Autodesk. "As we strive to deliver software applications that help customers make Digital Prototyping their standard approach to design, our distributors are doing a terrific job helping us achieve our goal."

GTDC distributor members provide products and services to solution providers and resellers supporting end users of all sizes, including the small-to-midsize business (SMB) market. GTDC members represent more than $100 billion in annual worldwide sales.

"Autodesk is a standout among the software vendors our members represent," said Tim Curran, CEO, GTDC. "The company's revenue growth is reason enough for recognition, but just as important is the underlying principle: constant technology innovation that provides compelling enhancements -- and reason for end customers to upgrade."

About The Global Technology Distribution Council

The Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC) is a worldwide industry association dedicated to defining and promoting the role of wholesale distribution in a successful and healthy information technology channel. The Council comprises the computer industry's top wholesale distributors dedicated to serving "the channel," a network of skilled value-added resellers and retail stores focused on providing hardware, software, and services to businesses and consumers around the globe.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk and AutoCAD are 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. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

(C) 2007 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contact: Angela Costa, 415-547-2388
Email: angela.costa@autodesk.com

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc. 10/03/2007



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
(ADSK)


1488 10/03/2007 08:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com