SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2003-- Create, Visualize and Present Proposed Changes On-the-Fly; Eliminate Wasted Time and Cost in Approval Process

Autodesk, Inc., (Nasdaq:ADSK) the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced the shipment of Autodesk Envision(TM) 8 software, formerly Autodesk(R) Onsite Desktop, an easy-to-use geographic information system (GIS) and design tool for mapping, engineering, and land-use professionals. Autodesk Envision 8 gives professionals the power to visualize, analyze, edit and publish 2D and 3D spatial data in complex scenarios. The additional support for Microsoft .NET, the Tablet PC, and AutoCAD(R) 2004 Design Web Format(TM) (DWF(TM)) files, as well as Autodesk DWG file format, increases the value of Autodesk Envision 8 software as a tool to collaborate and share mapping and design data.

"Autodesk Envision 8 is a powerful application that leverages the unique capabilities of the .NET platform and pen and ink support for the Tablet PC. It provides information workers a powerful, more flexible, mobile, and accurate way to work with dynamic data," said Bill Mitchell, vice president of the Tablet PC division at Microsoft.

"Autodesk Envision 8 is a unique product that integrates the needs of both GIS and civil engineering professionals in an affordable package," said Chris Bradshaw, vice president of Autodesk Infrastructure Solutions Division. "The new features enhance collaboration and foster a seamless exchange of information. We are thrilled to be working with Microsoft to make information available to a variety of users via .NET and almost anywhere via the Tablet PC. And Autodesk Envision supports output of the world's leading design software data format -- AutoCAD 2004 Design Web Format 6 (DWF), the latest version of the world's leading design software -- to help customers share data for seamless design collaboration and communication throughout project lifecycles."

Autodesk Envision 8 software is an ideal tool for professionals involved in mapping, planning, surveying, civil engineering, and facilities/infrastructure management projects. Autodesk's latest technologies, including Autodesk Envision 8, allow the user to create, share, and manage mapping and design data throughout the project lifecycle. The application works stand-alone on a Laptop PC, a desktop computer, or over the Internet, and will be included in both the Autodesk(R) Civil Series and Autodesk Map(TM) Series.

    Autodesk Envision 8 Key New Features

    --  Extend the functionality of data -- Built on Microsoft's .NET
        technology, Autodesk Envision 8 software gives organizations
        the tools to share valuable information and create custom
        applications. Supporting the Autodesk focus on lifecycle
        management, the software makes it possible for a variety of
        users to use and re-use the data in new ways throughout their
        organization's workflow. In addition to the new Microsoft .NET
        API tools for buffer and search functionality, users can use
        out-of-the-box features to explore conceptual design
        scenarios; share data and design intent; integrate diverse
        data types from multiple sources without data conversion; and
        analyze map, design, or database features.

    --  Extend information technology to mobile field workers --
        Autodesk Envision 8 now includes special tools and interface
        options to support Microsoft Tablet PC applications, giving
        users the support they need to take applications and data to
        the field. The combination of hardware and software eliminates
        the need to work with small and dim screens, awkward and
        cramped interfaces, and the slower performance of less
        powerful mobile devices. This additional functionality helps
        users extend their organization's information technology to
        their entire team, including mobile field workers.

    --  Capitalize on the world's leading CAD software data format --
        Autodesk Envision 8 now includes direct support for AutoCAD
        2004 DWG data. Users will capitalize on the world's leading
        CAD software data format to share data with everyone
        associated with a project. And because Autodesk Envision 8
        supports a variety of spatial data formats natively, you can
        quickly compile various GIS and design data layers into an
        integrated display without the need for data conversion.

    Availability and Purchasing Options

Autodesk Envision 8 software is currently available. 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 pricing and availability, contact your Authorized Autodesk Reseller or Autodesk at 800/964-6432.

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.

Note to Editors: Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Envision, Autodesk Map, Design Web Format, and DWF are either 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.

    CONTACT: Autodesk, Inc. Elizabeth Aune, 415/507-8195
             Elizabeth.aune@autodesk.com

    SOURCE: Autodesk, Inc.