SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sep 10, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today the availability of solutions for electric utilities of all sizes to better manage network information, realize greater management efficiency, resolve problems faster and improve service. Utilities such as Connecticut Light & Power, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Nevada Power have realized such marked benefits by automating labor-intensive processes while integrating with existing systems through Autodesk(R) solutions. Despite increased stress on the U.S. power supplies, Autodesk solutions for electric utilities help utilities provide safe, reliable service.

"We rely on Autodesk technology to make us more efficient, more responsive to our customers," said Dennis McCombs, senior consultant for information technologies at Nevada Power--the fastest growing utility in the U.S. "Autodesk technology helped us standardize our design, drafting, cost estimating, and engineering calculations with one tool."

Autodesk Solution for Electric Utilities Ensures Seamless Lifecycle

Autodesk solutions for electric utilities integrate GIS and CAD software with tailored services for each individual utility. From planning and engineering to design, construction, operations, and maintenance, Autodesk helps electric utilities automate labor-intensive processes while integrating with existing systems.

"Only Autodesk offers a cost-effective, integrated, and flexible solution to store, manage, and maintain network information using integrated CAD and GIS tools," said Chris Bradshaw, vice president of the Infrastructure Solutions Division at Autodesk.

Autodesk solutions for electric utilities help utilities design, store, manage, and maintain network information so they can operate distribution infrastructure safely, efficiently, and profitably using integrated CAD and GIS tools, services, and partners including:

    --  Autodesk(R) GIS Design Server (central facilities data store)

    --  AutoCAD(R) and Autodesk Map(TM) (facilities layout and asset
        management)

    --  Autodesk MapGuide(R) (data distribution and decision support)

    --  Autodesk(R) Raster Design (understanding existing conditions)

    --  Autodesk(R) Utility Design (Engineering calculations,
        materials selection)

    --  Autodesk Envision(TM) (visualization and analysis)

    --  Autodesk(R) OnSite Enterprise and View (mapping data for the
        mobile workforce)

    --  Autodesk Professional Services including:

        --  Process audit

        --  Implementation consulting and training

        --  Business application integration

Autodesk helps electric utilities build information models that describe their distribution infrastructure in terms of facility characteristics, locations, connectivity, and routing from source to customer. An example of the uses of this, built on the Autodesk MapGuide software platform, includes vehicle tracking, outage response, one call, inspection and maintenance, view work, and engineering analysis. For more information, please visit www.autodesk.com/utilities.

Availability

Autodesk solutions for electric utilities are currently available in English in the United States and Canada.

Flexible service and subscription options

Autodesk Professional Services maintains a team of highly qualified industry professionals who are experts in infrastructure management to help customers maximize the value of their investment in Autodesk technology. They consult with customers to determine software needs; assist with installation, setup and implementation; train staff to use the software; and support them with expert technical assistance. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/professionalservices.

The Autodesk(R) Subscription Program is the most efficient way for Autodesk customers to stay current with the latest design technology and to benefit from simplified software management and easy budgeting. For an annual fee, the program provides the latest versions of licensed Autodesk software, including extensions, offering a budget-conscious way to stay current with the latest technology. Autodesk Subscription customers benefit from increased productivity, predictable budgeting, and simplified license management and reporting. They also receive the latest Autodesk software releases, incremental enhancements, e-Learning and optional Web support. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Envision, Autodesk Map, and Autodesk MapGuide are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks are used solely for identification and belong to their respective holders.

SOURCE: Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk, Inc.
Elizabeth Aune, 415-507-8195
elizabeth.aune@autodesk.com

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