SAN FRANCISCO and TOKYO, Mar 4, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Takenaka And Maeda Adopt ProjectPoint To Facilitate Communication Among Team Members and Increase Efficiency

In conjunction with introducing the Japanese language version of ProjectPoint, its project collaboration service (See press release dated 3/4/02) Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK) Building Collaboration Services (formerly Buzzsaw.com) today announced that two leading Japanese firms have selected the service. Takenaka Corporation, one of Japan's oldest architecture and construction firm, and Maeda Corporation, a leading building and civil engineering contractor, have selected Autodesk ProjectPoint to facilitate communication among project team members and help increase efficiency.

Similar to the U.S., the building industry in Japan faces challenges with communicating and managing project data throughout the entire building process. ProjectPoint is a hosted service that uses the power of the Internet to help simplify and streamline a traditionally complex management process. Using ProjectPoint, all project team members, including owners, developers, architects, contractors and reprographers regardless of the time or their location, can access the information they need and communicate with team members.

"Takenaka and Maeda's adoption of the ProjectPoint Japanese language version represents the first step in our vision to extend our building collaboration service internationally," said Chris Bradshaw, vice president, Autodesk Building Collaboration Services. "Our plan is to tailor ProjectPoint so that project teams worldwide can successfully share critical information and make decisions quickly and efficiently using their native language," he added.

At Takenaka Corporation, one of Japan's oldest architecture, engineering and construction firms, customers and authorized project personnel from the design office and associated companies will be using ProjectPoint for more efficient collaboration work. Takenaka found that ProjectPoint is superior in operability. In addition because it is an open platform, all the information that relates to a project, such as process charts and construction photographs can be shared and transmitted smoothly, along with drawing plans created in other computer-aided-design system. After extensive evaluation and trial usage of ProjectPoint, Takenaka is ready to expand its use into larger mainstream projects.

Takenaka is known for its long history rich in tradition that spans nearly 400 years and includes the design and creation of several prominent landmarks in Japan. Since 1960, Takenaka has also established offices in many foreign countries and over the years has been the recipient of many design, technique and quality awards. They will use ProjectPoint to help continue that growth by improving collaboration among project team members and building owners. After evaluating several collaboration services, they chose ProjectPoint because of its ease-of-use and flexibility for customization.

Established in Japan in 1919, Maeda Corporation has progressed to become one of Japan's leading building and civil engineering contractors. The company is well known for its high quality work and ability to complete large, complex building projects within short construction periods. Because of the comprehensive nature of these construction projects, Maeda is faced with the challenge of managing and keeping track of large amounts data - digital and paper-based - including drawings, schedules, budgets and day-to-day communication documents. The company is implementing ProjectPoint to help digitize and manage all the documents associated with a given project in a secure, centralized location.

Autodesk Building Collaboration Services has established an office for ProjectPoint sales, training and support in Japan. Companies can learn more about the local language version of ProjectPoint by contacting Autodesk's Japan office at 81-3-6221-1655 or e-mail bcs.japan.support@autodesk.com. Companies can also visit the product site at www.autodesk.com/collaborate.

    Autodesk ProjectPoint for Building Management

Launched in the U.S. in 1999, Autodesk ProjectPoint is an online project collaboration service that connects building project team members so they can store and share information in one, secure location. This enables owners, developers, architects, engineers, and reprographers to save time and increase profitability throughout the entire design, construction, and building management process.

    About Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk Building Collaboration Services (formerly Buzzsaw.com) is comprised of online project collaboration and print management solutions that connect project teams for better communication throughout the building process - design, construction, property management and printing.

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc., is the world's leading design and digital media creation, management, and distribution 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 throughout the value chain leverage digital design data to work better, faster, and smarter. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, and ProjectPoint 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.
                  Gabrielle Friedly, 415/356-0741 (Media)
                  gabrielle.friedly@autodesk.com

URL:              http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.

Copyright (C) 2002 Business Wire.  All rights reserved.