SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 13, 2003--

      University of California, Berkeley, Design Practice Group
       Examined the Productivity Enhancements Users Can Expect
                      When Using AutoCAD 2004

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced that a recent independent research study and user survey found that key features in AutoCAD(R) 2004 software can save the average user in a production environment between 3.3 and 4.5 hours per week per task, a time savings of up to 14 hours per week or 35 percent of a 40-hour work week. AutoCAD 2004 is Autodesk's 2D drafting, detailing, and introductory 3D design tool for faster design creation and easier file sharing.

"The AutoCAD (2004) Productivity Research" was conducted by the Design Practice Group of the College of Environmental Design at the University of California, Berkeley, a team renowned for its research on the practice of architecture and design collaboration.

"The compelling results from the study prove our commitment to providing solutions that significantly improve our customers' productivity and ultimately help to build their business," said John Sanders, vice president of Autodesk's Platform Technology Division. "The surveyed users found that upgrading to AutoCAD 2004 provides new features that will save them time without disrupting their existing work practices through a steep learning curve. Many customers who have upgraded to AutoCAD 2004 are already seeing the cost savings and competitive edge these time savings bring to their business."

Real-World Data

The time savings documented in the study was combined with survey data from a cross-section of 100 Autodesk customers performing the same tasks in a real work environment.

The results from both studies revealed that the evaluated features provide an easy transition to AutoCAD 2004, and can save the average user of AutoCAD 2004 software significant time on each designated task. It also showed that CAD managers can make these new features even more effective to their teams by creating customized tool palettes for use in repetitive tasks routinely done in a production environment.

Survey and Data Analysis

The Design Practice Group examined novice to experienced drafters and designers who use AutoCAD(R) 2000, AutoCAD(R) 2000i, or AutoCAD(R) 2002 software 80 to 100 percent of their work day. The users had no experience with the AutoCAD 2004 product. Participants were monitored while completing a series of tasks designed to simulate the day-to-day production drafting environment and the time required to complete those tasks.

To complete the tasks, they used just three of the new AutoCAD 2004 product features, selected for having the greatest potential for enhancing day-to-day productivity:

    --  Tool palettes for the editing, creation, and deletion of
        blocks and hatch patterns;

    --  Improved multiline text (mtext) editing for the creation and
        editing of notes in the body of a drawing;

    --  External reference notification to alert users when another
        team member has modified a drawing.

One productivity study participant remarked, "I find the tool palettes to be a huge advantage. I envision using these heavily upon upgrading to the next version of AutoCAD. I feel they will be a major improvement in creating standardized drawings."

AutoCAD 2004 Availability

The most effective way to receive any new Autodesk release is through the Autodesk(R) Subscription Program. For the latest information on the Autodesk Subscription Program, including availability and purchase requirements, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription or contact your Authorized Autodesk Reseller. For more information on AutoCAD 2004 or the new features highlighted in this study, please see www.autodesk.com/autocad.

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.

Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered 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: Autodesk
             Dawn Van Osdell, 415-507-6554
             dawn.van.osdell@autodesk.com

    SOURCE: Autodesk