LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 27, 2001--Autodesk University--

Manufacturing Division to Leverage ACIS Kernel to Create

Enhanced Geometric Shape Engine for Advanced Design Performance

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced it will begin development of a dedicated 3D modeling kernel, named Autodesk(R) ShapeManager, to be incorporated in Autodesk Inventor(TM) and other Autodesk design software. The Autodesk ShapeManager will be based on the ACIS(R) 7.0 kernel licensed by Autodesk from Spatial Corp. Autodesk ShapeManager will give users the ability to build and modify complex virtual models, which require sophisticated mathematical computations to define and communicate three-dimensional design intent. Autodesk has added a large development team with substantial experience in solid modeling and development of the ACIS kernel, whose charter will be to create a purpose-built, feature-based modeling engine for Autodesk Inventor and fine-tuned for the demands of 3D users in the manufacturing marketplace.

"It is our goal to allow customers to be able to design more complex parts, and to provide increasing application stability and performance," said Robert Kross, vice president of the Manufacturing Division at Autodesk. "Managing our own kernel development will give Autodesk's mechanical design software an edge in the market that no competitor can match and reinforces our commitment to the manufacturing marketplace. Our customers will see improved robustness, geometry coverage, and performance."

Because Autodesk ShapeManager shares its heritage with the same ACIS kernel present in current and legacy versions of Autodesk Inventor and the AutoCAD family of products, integration of Autodesk ShapeManager will create no file migration problems and no geometry migration utilities will be required. ShapeManager will maintain compatibility with ACIS versions 7.0 and below. Future kernel development efforts will be narrowly focused on the requirements of feature modeling for Autodesk Inventor and on advanced shape description for complex geometric designs such as those in the consumer products industries.

About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc. is the world's leading design and digital media creation, management, and distribution company. The company serves a diverse portfolio of industries, including building design, manufacturing, geographical information systems and digital film and video industries. By delivering tools that foster innovation and creativity, Autodesk helps customers throughout the value chain leverage digital design data to work better, faster and smarter. Autodesk is one of the largest global software companies with annual revenues of $936 million. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

Note to Editors: Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks and Autodesk Inventor is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and other countries. ACIS is a registered trademark of Spatial Corp. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

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