SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Mar 1, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

New Software Extension Provides Direct Link Between Autodesk Map and Oracle(R) Spatial Technology to Increase User Efficiency and Flexibility

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced the availability of the new Autodesk Map 5 Polygon and Advanced Extension for Oracle9i Database in an effort to help organizations better use and manage spatial data to meet their business objectives. The new extension is targeted at engineers, planners, utility managers, and mapping professionals who produce spatial data saved in an Oracle9i database for projects including mapping subdivisions, road networks, physical infrastructure, or any design project requiring a visual representation of spatial data.

The new extension provides a direct link between Autodesk Map 5 software, with its powerful data creation and editing capabilities, and the spatial technology capabilities available with Oracle9i Database. The extension provides a true Geographical Information Systems (GIS) polygon object, which permits translation of data between Autodesk Map and other GIS applications, including Autodesk MapGuide software.

    New Features to Increase User Efficiency and Flexibility

--  Improved Autodesk Map 5 Polygon and Advanced Extension for the
    Oracle9i Database
    -- Full Oracle9i(TM) Database Support - Enables users to take full
       advantage of key new functions in Oracle9i Database including
       R-tree indexing and index partitioning.
    -- Flexible, Feature-Based Oracle Schema - Offers an alternative
       data model enabling features to be defined in an Oracle schema
       and DWG data to be written into feature tables.
    -- Record-Based Locking - Manages concurrent access to data by
       multiple users.

--  Enhanced and Expanded New Custom Polygon Object
    -- Full Support for Oracle Polygon Geometry - Delivers direct
       geometry mapping and round-tripping fidelity between Autodesk
       Map and Oracle geometries.
    -- Integrated Polygon Object Support - Enables use of polygon
       objects including Autodesk MapGuide objects and round-tripping
       fidelity with Oracle geometries.

Autodesk Map 5 Polygon and Advanced Extension for Oracle9i Database is now available in the United States, Canada, and many European countries through the Autodesk Subscription Program. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription.

    Benefits from the Autodesk Subscription Program

The Autodesk Subscription Program is an easy way to minimize upgrade disruptions to ongoing projects and get instant access to new functionality when it is released. Customers can join the Autodesk Subscription Program when they upgrade or acquire new seats. Benefits from subscription include convenient implementation, a shorter learning curve, helpful support documents, e-Learning training courses, and optional direct online support. Subscription members can choose whether to download a particular extension based on their needs. Autodesk extensions are available only through the Autodesk Subscription Program.

Subscription customers can easily access and manage their account through the Autodesk Point A customer website (http://pointa.autodesk.com), a personal access point to Autodesk products, services, and support on the Internet. Point A provides secure access to subscriber-only products and design content and offers coverage reports, products on subscription, contract expiration, product tips and tutorials, online training and support, and local industry links. For further information on the Autodesk Subscription Program, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription.

    About Oracle9i Database and Oracle9i Spatial

Oracle9i Database and the Oracle9i Spatial option (also supported by Autodesk Map 5) serve as a foundation for deploying enterprise-wide spatial information systems. Oracle9i Spatial enables e-business applications, portals and wireless ASPs to readily incorporate location capability into their services.

    About Autodesk

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.

Note to Editors: Autodesk, Autodesk Map, and Autodesk MapGuide are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the USA and/or other countries. Oracle is a registered trademark. Oracle9i is a trademark or registered trademark of Oracle Corporation. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. (c) Copyright 2002 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTACT:          Autodesk, Inc.
                  Eric Sutphin, 415-507-6658
                  eric.sutphin@autodesk.com

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