AutoCAD R13 Version of OEM Now Available; CAD Standard Software Available As Embedded Engine.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 8, 1996--Today Autodesk announced the immediate availability of the latest version of AutoCAD OEM, Release 2 software.

An embeddable CAD engine based on AutoCAD Release 13, AutoCAD OEM R2, provides enhanced object-oriented AutoCAD Runtime Extension (ARX) capabilities to third-party developers, system integrators, and commercial software developers worldwide.

AutoCAD OEM Release 2 lets developers and CAD managers use an OEM version of the worldwide CAD standard, AutoCAD, to create low-cost, industry-specific applications. Although AutoCAD is more versatile, with its ability to provide solutions for various industries (3,500 add-on applications from third parties), AutoCAD OEM R2 is an ideal solution for customers who prefer a tightly-integrated, standalone, industry specific application.

Enterprises have built enormous equity in operator training, application development and data stored in the AutoCAD DWG file format. AutoCAD OEM software preserves this equity, extending and leveraging it in new industry-specific applications, those not traditionally thought of as users of CAD data.

"This new version gives new and existing developers exactly what they need to be successful in the competitive OEM market," said Andrew Stein, senior product manager at Autodesk. "Combining native AutoCAD R13 file compatibility with advanced industry-specific features, will give customers a productive and cost effective OEM solution."

Based On The Widely Accepted Standard

AutoCAD OEM Release 2, the only AutoCAD Release 13 compatible OEM product available, provides developers and customers with native AutoCAD R13 DWG file compatibility. Sales of AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD OEM together, represent sales of over 400,000 DWG-producing seats each year, therefore true compatibility with AutoCAD DWG is critical for developers and customers who need to share data with colleagues, clients and business partners.

AutoCAD OEM R2 supports the development of multiple applications from a single code stream. Developers can leverage their efforts by re-using portions of source code to create and deliver new software for customers requiring targeted capabilities.

This new version of OEM lets developers use the most powerful object-oriented development language, AutoCAD Runtime Extension (ARX). ARX gives developers the tools to create fast, easy-to-use, tightly integrated, object-oriented applications. ARX with AutoCAD OEM maximizes that opportunity enabling new applications for non-traditional markets in the design automation space, and beyond.

AutoCAD OEM R2 supports the Windows 95 and Windows NT operating system, delivering 32-bit performance in an OEM CAD applications environment. OEM R2 provides OLE Automation server support for enabling applications, custom objects, and security for applications requiring protection of feature set data.

AutoCAD OEM Release 2 provides three levels of custom installation. There are complete and familiar debug and runtime/product development environments as found in the AutoCAD Release 13 Software Developer's Kit (SDK). In addition to the application development features, software developers can access the richest feature set including over 100 new features found in AutoCAD Release 13 and AutoCAD LT for Windows 95.

Autodesk expects that many of its developers will benefit from AutoCAD OEM Release 2. Major accounts and corporate developers that create enterprise-wide solutions will benefit by increasing the value of their existing CAD investment as they use and deploy new solutions compatible with Autodesk software.

Existing Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) members will benefit by capitalizing on the opportunity to deliver applications with scaled levels of feature capabilities at similarly scaled price points to new customers.

Commercial developers, looking to replace an aging, unsupported, or non-standard CAD engine that was developed in-house, or licensed elsewhere, can now buy a cost-effective CAD engine. They can update their specific industry applications, saving thousands of dollars. End users will benefit the most by shortening their learning curves to only the functionality in the application that applies to their daily tasks and no longer have to learn volumes of information that might not apply to what they do.

The English language version of AutoCAD OEM Release 2 is available immediately in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific. Pricing is determined by OEM licensing agreements. For more information about OEM call 415/507-6431 or [e-mail].

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These include the timely development and acceptance of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and the other risks detailed from time to time in Autodesk's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K filed in April 1996.

Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of PC and UNIX-based software and multimedia tools. The company's 2D and 3D products and data management tools are used in many industries for architectural design, mechanical design, mapping, film and video production, video game development and Web content development.

Its Kinetix division is the leader in PC-based 3D modeling and animation software, providing a full range of products for digital media and design professionals. The fourth largest PC software company in the world, Autodesk has three million customers in nearly 130 countries. Autodesk products are sold through Autodesk Systems Centers, dealers and distributors worldwide.

For more information on Autodesk, please call 415/507-5000, type GO ADESK on CompuServe, or visit its World Wide Web site at http://www.autodesk.com. Kinetix can be reached by calling 800/879-4233 or through its World Wide Web site at http://www.ktx.com. Autodesk shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market and under the symbol ADSK. -0-

Note To Editors: Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, and AutoCAD are registered trademarks. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Autodesk Inc.

Jennifer Reidy, 415/507-6536

[e-mail]

or

Autodesk Inc.

Francesca Sterling, 415/771-5775

[e-mail]