SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 25, 2002--Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced that Vortechnics, Inc., a leading provider of stormwater treatment systems (www.vortechnics.com), slashed design time by 66 percent as a result of the company's implementation of award-winning Autodesk(R) Inventor software. In an effort to increase productivity and competitive advantage, Vortechnics implemented this 3D mechanical design software from Autodesk to support an annual business growth rate of 40 percent and free formerly tied-up resources for new research and development. Autodesk partner, DTI Technologies, Inc. worked with Vortechnics to customize the Autodesk Inventor software to automate tasks and to reduce the number of Vortechnics' design templates 98 percent, from 500 to less than 10. These templates, which are grouped according to the manufacturing methods of approximately 50 pre-cast concrete manufacturers throughout the United States, have dramatically shortened the time it takes Vortechnics to create manufacturer-specific designs and go to market with them.

Although Vortechnics evaluated competitive solutions such as Pro/ENGINEER, Microstation, and SolidEdge, they chose to move from AutoCAD LT(R) to Autodesk Inventor software. Vortechnics found the customization capabilities of the Autodesk Inventor API, Autodesk Inventor software's ability to generate error-free designs, and the increased productivity the software is able to help them achieve were significant advantages for the company.

"Autodesk Inventor was an important business decision for us. We are now able to accommodate the workload that has come with our rapid growth and geographic expansion. Because design time has also shortened to a fraction of what it used to be, we can now devote additional efforts to R&D and focus on bringing innovative new products to market," said David Miley, president and CEO of Vortechnics.

The Vortechs(R) System, which is designed with Autodesk Inventor, is a complete stormwater treatment solution that captures pollutants from runoff and protects waterways from damaging, contaminated stormwater flows. As the leading provider of engineered stormwater management solutions, Vortechnics has set the industry standard with its emphasis on research and development, customization and ease of installation and maintenance. With the most comprehensive lab, field and third-party testing in the industry, Vortechnics delivers proven results and site-specific solutions for all applications and rainfall conditions. Since 1988, the company has installed more than 2,500 systems throughout the U.S. and Canada, ensuring that millions of people are able to enjoy the benefits of cleaner, safer water.

"Our products are customized to match the precise needs of each site. Autodesk Inventor can give us valuable information about the products we design so that we can determine critical information in advance," said Darren Fickett, senior design drafter at Vortechnics. "With Autodesk Inventor, we are simply able to make better business decisions regarding our products because we have such a high level of feedback right inside the design software."

Simplifying Product Development Processes

DTI Technologies, Inc. (www.dtitech.com) has more than 15 years of experience providing the design community with leading edge CAD products and award-winning technical services. DTI Technologies provided tailored training and custom programming services and was instrumental in helping Vortechnics in their template reduction program.

"By replacing AutoCAD LT with a customized version of Autodesk Inventor, we were able to help Vortechnics simplify the entire product development process and generate an outstanding return on investment," said Jim Beliveau, senior account manager at DTI Technologies.

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.

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

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