Autodesk Acquires Programming Language Technology; Another ObjectARX Automation Tool for AutoCAD Release 14.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 1997--Autodesk, Inc. today announced that it has acquired the Vital LISP(R) programming technology from Basis Software, Inc. of Exton, Penn. The Vital LISP language is built with Autodesk's ObjectARX object-oriented core programming technology and enhances Autodesk's AutoLISP(R) design software programming language.

With this technology, Autodesk demonstrates its commitment to its customers who have invested time and resources in using AutoLISP software customization programming technology, which has been embedded in its AutoCAD design software since 1985. The AutoLISP language is currently used by over one million of Autodesk's 1.8 million AutoCAD designers for software customization.

The Vital LISP product will provide the core technology for the new Visual LISP(TM) programming language from Autodesk that will provide a new set of advanced, object-oriented customization tools for AutoCAD Release 14 design software users.

"Adding the new Visual LISP language to our list of custom programming options -- AutoLISP, ObjectARX, Microsoft(R) ActiveX(TM) Automation and Microsoft Visual Basic(R) for Applications -- will give users much greater flexibility and choice for customization," said Carl Bass, Autodesk's vice president of engineering and chief technology officer.

"Providing a full suite of object-enabled ways to use customization and programming interfaces makes AutoCAD software the widest, most open and extensible design software platform on the market."

Autodesk's Visual LISP language is expected to ship in early calendar year 1998. "With its AutoLISP look and feel made visual, customers will be immediately comfortable with the expanded language and will really like how it will add speed and features for their custom work," said Beat Fehr, co-owner of Autodesk developer CAD Distribution AG of Reihen, Switzerland.

Visual LISP programming will provide the following benefits to AutoCAD Release 14 users who customize their software:

-- Increased productivity through the use of a new visual tool for fast, easy customization with the ability to create time-saving solutions.

-- Enhanced performance through the increased speed at which LISP code will run through AutoCAD Release 14 software's ObjectARX-based interface.

-- Improved Microsoft Windows ActiveX interface to the AutoCAD Object Model gives greater flexibility in cross-application integration.

-- Compiled LISP that improves performance and prevents unwanted access to customers' application software code.

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

Its Kinetix(R) 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 fifth largest PC software company in the world, Autodesk has three million customers in over 150 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 under the symbol ADSK. -0-

Note to Editors: Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, AutoCAD, AutoLISP, Vital LISP and Kinetix are registered trademarks and Visual LISP and ObjectARX are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Autodesk, Inc.

Barbara J. Brown, 415/507-6093

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