SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 2002--

Autodesk Architectural Studio Enhances Design Communication

with Portable Pen-Based Sketching Tools

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today that Autodesk is leading the way for building industry and airport security management customers to benefit from the Tablet PC with new Autodesk tools for design communication and emergency preparedness. In the building industry, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), a leading architecture, urban design, engineering, and interior design firm, has been exploring ways to enhance design collaboration by using Autodesk(R) Architectural Studio, a design creation and communication tool, on the Compaq Tablet PC TC 1000.

"Whether they're at a client's building site conferring on a design or responding to an airport emergency, Autodesk customers need ready access to complex data," said Scott Borduin, Autodesk's chief technical officer. "The Tablet PC gives them the mobile computing power they need while our latest building industry and GIS homeland security applications allow them to use the data to perform timely, meaningful tasks."

Autodesk Architectural Studio on the Tablet PC

Combined with the Tablet PC, Autodesk Architectural Studio provides architects and other building industry professionals with an intuitive, easy-to-use way to interact with digital design information whether they're in a conference room, at the client's office, or on a construction site. The principals, designers, and project managers from SOM who piloted the use of Architectural Studio on the Compaq Tablet PC TC 1000 found it particularly valuable for design communication. Using the combined solution, they could sketch out design concepts, mark up drawings and instantly communicate their changes to the entire design team from a remote location.

"I am constantly connected with the design efforts of our offices in the United States and around the world," said Steve Apking, AIA, New York-based SOM partner responsible for the firm's interior design practice. "Using Architectural Studio on the Tablet PC gives me unprecedented ability to communicate with designers no matter where I am -- sketching, annotating, and layering design concepts. I can review drawings in progress, mentor junior design staff, and ensure the quality, speed, and accuracy of our work."

Homeland Security Capabilities for the Tablet PC

The Autodesk GIS Solutions Division previously announced (Nov. 7th) its support of for the Tablet PC with a successful Homeland Security pilot program at a major West Coast airport. The pilot project, jointly developed with Kelar Corporation, centers on the Geographic Security Portal application, built by Kelar using Autodesk MapGuide(R) and Autodesk(R) OnSite View. For the pilot project, Autodesk(R) OnSite Desktop was used to extend the Geographic Security Portal's capabilities to the Microsoft Tablet PC.

By using the mobile computing power and inking capabilities of the Tablet PC, airport managers and emergency response personnel are able to access and utilize live spatial data, maps, aerial imagery, and situation planning information from a centralized database via wireless networks. These capabilities help them to quickly prepare for and respond to emergency situations to help protect the public safety.

About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc., is the world's leading design software and digital content company. The company serves a diverse portfolio of markets, including building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering tools that foster innovation and creativity, Autodesk helps customers create, use and leverage their digital design data. For more information about the company, see http://www.autodesk.com.

Note to Editors: Autodesk and Autodesk MapGuide are registered 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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