SAN RAFAEL, Calif., May 6, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced the company has been recognized as a co-author of the proposed OpenGIS(R) Location Services (OpenLS(TM)) Implementation Specification by the Open GIS Consortium (OGC). Once adopted by OGC members, the specification will define an XML-based standard for location service interfaces and help to standardize the development of such services as mapping, routing and point-of-interest directories. The Open GIS Consortium recently issued a request for comment on the specification with input due by May 19, 2003. The documentation is available at http://www.opengis.org/info/techno/request.htm.

"As part of the OpenLS specification team of authors, Autodesk has made important contributions to this proposed specification. I appreciate their efforts, along with those of the entire OpenLS specification team, to help shape the proposed specification," said David Schell, president of the Open GIS Consortium.

The proposed OpenLS specification is the product of the OpenLS 1 testbed initiatives held between October 2001 and October 2002. The initiatives aimed to define and build the core location application services and information framework necessary for interoperable use of mobile devices, services and location-related data. Co-authors of the proposed specification include representatives of a number of leading companies such as Hutchison 3G, Oracle, and Navigation Technologies. Autodesk is a Principal Plus Member of the Open GIS Consortium and is active in a number of the organization's initiatives including the specification and interoperability programs. Olivier Ricordel is Autodesk's OGC representative and chairs the organization's Infrastructure Management Working Group. Greg Roy of Autodesk Location Services contributed to the specification and is listed as the company's co-author on the document itself.

"Autodesk has found its involvement in this project extremely valuable, and Autodesk Location Services is looking forward to making our LocationLogic software platform compliant with the specification once it is finalized," said Joe Astroth, executive vice president of Autodesk Location Services.

Autodesk Location Services provides a complete solution that enables wireless carriers and operators to quickly and reliably offer location-based applications to their subscribers. The company's offerings include a highly-scaleable, open-standards based platform, market-ready applications, content integration and training, maintenance and on-going support.

About Autodesk Location Services

Autodesk Location Services (www.autodesk.com/locationservices), a division of Autodesk, Inc., provides wireless network operators and enterprises worldwide with a robust solution for location enabled wireless services. The LocationLogic Platform and Location Connect suite of applications offer personalized, localized and actionable wireless services that increase productivity and convenience for mobile individuals. 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.

About Open GIS Consortium

OGC is an international industry consortium of more than 250 companies, government agencies and universities participating in a consensus process to develop publicly available interface specifications. OpenGIS Specifications support interoperable solutions that "geo-enable" the Web, wireless and location-based services, and mainstream IT. The specifications empower technology developers to make complex spatial information and services accessible and useful with all kinds of applications. Visit the OGC website at http://www.opengis.org.

Note to Editors: Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

SOURCE: Autodesk

Autodesk
Cassie Stevenson, 415/507-5638
cassie.stevenson@autodesk.com