AccelGraphics Announces New Release of Award-winning AccelVIEW 3D Software; New Version of Popular Software Enhances Realism and Editing Capabilities for AutoCAD Users.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 1996--AccelGraphics Inc., the leading supplier of 3D graphics accelerators and solutions for Windows NT, today announced a new release of its popular software product, AccelVIEW 3D 2.0.

This new version greatly enhances realism and adds sophisticated editing capabilities. AutoCAD users now have access to features previously available only in high end CAD packages priced significantly higher. All of these capabilities come with a user interface that is seamlessly integrated with AutoCAD for ease of use. AccelVIEW 3D has enabled AutoCAD users to interactively visualize and edit solid, surface, and wireframe models. The new version, AccelVIEW 3D 2.0 adds the following capabilities:

- Set materials including color, ambient, reflection, roughness and transparency; greatly enhancing the realism of a model while maintaining dynamic performance. - Highlight edges to help select an object for editing in shaded mode. - Wireframe geometry including text, sketches, dimensions and constraints remain visible when behind shaded surfaces. - Work in traditional wireframe mode while maintaining a current rendered representation of your model in another viewport which is automatically updated. - AccelVIEW 3D interface and on-line help fully integrated with standard AutoCAD graphical user interface and help system.

AccelVIEW 3D is unique in the marketplace, it enhances the productivity and creativity of the designer by providing real-time dynamic 3D viewing and editing - all with the power and familiarity of AutoCAD.

Niraj Swarup, senior director of marketing at AccelGraphics, stated, "There are other products in the market that are little more than 3D viewers which allow one to spin a 3D shaded model in a window separate from the main AutoCAD window. When designers need to modify the model they are forced back to a 2D environment. On the other hand, AccelVIEW 3D is fully integrated into AutoCAD, allowing continuous manipulation of shaded models. With AccelVIEW 3D 2.0 we go several steps further by enhancing realism and adding powerful editing capabilities."

AccelVIEW 3D 2.0 is a software-only product that delivers rich 3D features without requiring additional 3D hardware. Any PC with a standard 2D Windows accelerator can take advantage of the advanced features. However, when dealing with large models, users will experience a significant performance improvement with an OpenGL 3D hardware accelerator. Optimal performance is achieved with an AccelGraphics 3D accelerator.

Pricing and Availability

AccelVIEW 3D 2.0 is available from all authorized AccelGraphics resellers an distributors. The suggested North American retail price is $395. A Windows NT or Windows 95 version of AutoCAD Release 13c4 or the Mechanical Desktop Release 1.0 is required.

Existing users of AccelVIEW 3D Version 1 and users of Mechanical Desktop Version 1.1 can upgrade to AccelVIEW 3D 2.0 for $99.

AccelGraphics, Inc.

AccelGraphics develops, manufactures and markets high-performance three dimensional graphics accelerators for computer-aided design and engineering and other professional markets. AccelGraphics' 3D graphics accelerators enable technical professionals to visualize 3D data quickly and interactively, thereby dramatically enhancing user productivity when using 3D applications.

AccelGraphics, Inc. is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. and can be reached via phone at 800/444-5699. Fax: [phone]. Internet: http://www.accelgraphics.com. -0-

Note to Editors: AccelPRO and AccelSTAR are trademarks, AccelGraphics and AccelVIEW are registered trademarks of AccelGraphics. OpenGL is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

CONTACT: AccelGraphics, Inc.

Niraj Swarup, 408/441-1556

[e-mail]

or

Sterling Communications

Carol Nash, 408/441-4100

[e-mail]