SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 27, 2003--

Autodesk's Online Project Collaboration Service Helps Dallas-based Design and Project Management Firm Capture New Business,

Expand Capabilities and Boost Productivity

The Dimension Group, a full service development firm based in Dallas, has made the Autodesk Buzzsaw project collaboration service from Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK) an integral element in its business as it continues a massive retail gasoline and convenience store renovation project for real estate management company Trammel Crow. The Dimension Group was one of three firms chosen to permit the conversion of more than 150 gasoline/retail sites in Texas from Texaco to the Shell brand. Each firm was responsible for 50 sites for the initial project phase -- including due diligence, site signage design, and permitting. After being the first to complete their sites as the other two firms struggled to meet deadlines, Trammell Crow awarded Dimension the balance of the sites for them to complete.

"Ultimately, cost and time savings generated using Buzzsaw get passed onto the client; this and our ability to work more productively is making us more competitive," observed Carlos Salinas, project manager with The Dimension Group. "Buzzsaw will help us win additional work with Trammel Crow outside the Dallas area. With Buzzsaw, we know we can handle jobs across the country."

While delighted with the endorsement of its work, Dimension realized that the large increase in projects under management would significantly increase its workload. The three-fold increase in the number of locations for which it was responsible effectively tripled the number of details to manage. Dimension had already been using Autodesk Buzzsaw, but primarily as an internal tool. Now, with its project managers devoting more and more time to phone conversations with various general contractors, sign contractors, and sub-contractors, the firm decided to adopt the Buzzsaw service as its standard platform for all project communications related to the Shell station conversions.

"Before standardizing on Buzzsaw we spent many hours a week on the phone answering questions from contractors. By using Buzzsaw to post drawings, project updates and information on permit approvals, we were able to cut calls from about 25 a week to maybe one a day," said Gabriel Northington, project manager with The Dimension Group. "In fact with Buzzsaw we could also provide our contractors with a detailed database of permit information, so they can quickly get answers to questions such as the date a permit was applied for, pending status, and the point it was received."

Buzzsaw has not only helped Dimension dramatically reduce the number of questions called in to staffers, it has delivered measurable increases in productivity and cost savings as well. With the dramatic drop in phone calls, project managers have more time to devote to essential tasks and can work more billable hours per day. In addition, since Dimension no longer has to regularly send out drawings on CDs or as hard copy, it is saving on printing and delivery. Perhaps most importantly, Autodesk Buzzsaw is helping Dimension to take its business to the next level.

"Dimension Group's experience shows how Buzzsaw can be used in innovative ways to deliver value-added services and gain real competitive advantages in the marketplace," said Amar Hanspal, senior director of engineering, Autodesk Building Collaboration Services. "Delivering status reports on permits through an online database brings important information to both the owner/client and the contractor while reducing work within the firm. It is especially gratifying to see that Buzzsaw is helping a regional company like Dimension Group grow its business into a national presence."

About The Dimension Group

Based in Dallas, Texas, The Dimension Group offers complete design and construction services for companies in the retail gasoline and convenience store market. From start to finish, Dimension does it all: it develops engineering and architectural plans, coordinates the entire permit process, and manages construction.

About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc. is the world's leading design software and digital content company. Autodesk offers solutions for professionals in building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering progressive products and services, Autodesk helps customers create, manage, use and maximize the value of their digital data throughout the lifecycle of their projects. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com. For information about the Buzzsaw service, visit the product site at www.autodesk.com/buzzsaw.

Autodesk and Buzzsaw 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.

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