SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Mar 17, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

User-Driven Functionality Allows Designers, Architects and Engineers to Create with Speed, Share with Ease, and Manage Their Software More Efficiently

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today shipped AutoCAD(R) 2004, the 2D drafting, detailing, and 3D design tool for creating design data faster and sharing it more easily than ever before. AutoCAD 2004, marked by more than 500 beta testers as one of the best releases of AutoCAD software yet, provides new features such as productivity tools and presentation graphics; CAD standards tools and electronic documentation using DWF(TM) (Design Web Format(TM)) files for easier data sharing; and licensing tools for more efficient software management.

Architectural and engineering firm Benchmark Group has a diverse project background in commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities and is an AutoCAD 2004 beta test site. "AutoCAD 2004 is the greatest release of AutoCAD with the most compelling set of new features, functions and enhancements of any AutoCAD release that I have worked with," said Robert Davis, Benchmark Group. "I think this release will be a must-have upgrade for every AutoCAD user."

AutoCAD 2004

AutoCAD(R) 2004 software is the foundation product for a family of industry solutions customized for the building, infrastructure and manufacturing markets. It is the fastest and easiest-to-use AutoCAD ever. The software features a streamlined user interface and dramatically reduced DWG file sizes -- creating files up to 52 percent(1) smaller than with the previous release of AutoCAD. The new version also includes features that fall into three distinct categories for increasing user productivity by allowing users to:

-- Create design data more quickly with customizable tool palettes, direct access to libraries of design content, enhanced multiline text editing, and Autodesk Express Tools. Enhance presentation drawings with True Color, gradient fills, PANTONE(R), RAL Classic and RAL Design color libraries. -- Share design data more easily with simplified external reference management, automatic notification of standards and xref changes, and an enhanced file format -- the new Design Web Format (DWF 6), to more easily communicate and securely share digital information. -- Manage their software more efficiently with improved network license borrowing and software inventory tools.

For more information on the many new features included in AutoCAD 2004, please see www.autodesk.com/autocad.

"In any industry that requires technical drawings, speed of production and efficient use of data are key to the success of design projects," said John Sanders, vice president of Autodesk's Platform Technologies Division. "After interviewing thousands of customers to guide the development of this new release of AutoCAD, we are proud to ship a product that will make an immediate difference in their productivity and ultimate teamwork."

AutoCAD LT 2004

AutoCAD LT(R) 2004, the drafting and detailing solution for design professionals in all industries who require full DWG file format compatibility and do not need to customize their software, is also available today. The new version allows users to create and share technical drawings efficiently and securely with team members who use AutoCAD or Autodesk's industry-specific solutions built on the AutoCAD platform. It is the only 2D CAD software that is 100 percent compatible with AutoCAD 2004. AutoCAD LT 2004 software makes users more productive with new features such as customizable tool palettes and in-place multiline text editing support for an efficient, visual work style. The smaller file sizes possible with the optimized DWG format allow for faster file open and file transmission times when e-mailing, uploading and downloading files; also allowing users to save space on hard drives, network locations or external file hosting services. For more information on the many new features included in AutoCAD LT 2004, please see www.autodesk.com/autocadlt.

Availability and Purchasing Options

AutoCAD 2004 and AutoCAD LT 2004 are now available worldwide in International English. They will also be available in the following languages: German, French, Italian, Spanish, Nordic/Dutch, Czech, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese in the next 60 to 90 days. A complete family of industry solutions built on the AutoCAD 2004 base, announced March 3, 2003, will begin shipping soon. They include the following products: Autodesk(R) Architectural Desktop 2004, AutoCAD(R) Mechanical 2004, Autodesk Map(TM) 2004, Autodesk Map(TM) Series 2004, Autodesk(R) Raster Design 2004, Autodesk(R) Land Desktop 2004, and Autodesk(R) Survey 2004.

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.

Customized AutoCAD 2004 Applications for Highly Specialized Industries

In addition to Autodesk's new products based on AutoCAD 2004, 37 authorized partners in the Autodesk Developer Network including COADE, Inc., ARCHIBUS, Inc., CYCO Software and VIA Development Corp. have worked closely with Autodesk to create a total of 53 customized software applications that run on the foundation of AutoCAD 2004 software. These products, tailored to meet the needs of customers in highly specialized industries, are now available.

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.

(1) Measurement is a preliminary indicator based on automation testing over a controlled network. Results are approximate and are subject to error and change.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, 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
                  Dawn Holstein, 415/507-6554
                  dawn.holstein@autodesk.com

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