Autodesk Introduces Three New Software Delivery Programs.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2001

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), today announced the forthcoming availability of three new programs that simplify the upgrade process and give customers added flexibility in deploying software. The new Autodesk(R) Subscription Program, first announced at Autodesk's annual investor conference in April 2001, Autodesk Rental Products, and Autodesk Self-Hosted Products are all part of a broad company initiative to provide technology solutions in more flexible and cost effective ways.

Autodesk Subscription Program

The Autodesk Subscription Program provides members with quick-and-easy access to the latest Autodesk software and feature-enhancing extensions, e-Learning training modules that help customers learn and more effectively use new software solutions, and optional Autodesk direct online support. The subscription program will be available through the Autodesk Point A online customer resource site (www.autodesk.com/pointa).

The Autodesk Subscription program simplifies contract and serial number management by providing companies with a unique contract number and, if they so choose, a single serial number to manage each site or department. Upon joining the program, customers will be given access to a members-only module on Autodesk Point A where they can download extensions, review coverage reports, request fulfillment of software releases, and access e-Learning courses.

Autodesk developed its new subscription program in response to customers' need for a simpler and less disruptive way to keep their Autodesk software up-to-date and supported. The Subscription Program, primarily through incremental releases and extensions, provides an alternative to occasional upgrading, which can disrupt design teams through significant downtime and a steep learning curve.

Autodesk customers have voiced early and enthusiastic support for the subscription program. According to Joel Dunn, team manager, CAD Support, at the engineering firm Black & Veatch, "We have more than 900 seats of Autodesk software worldwide, and over the past five years we've upgraded to new releases four separate times. With Autodesk's new subscription program, we'll be able to more easily provide training to our employees, better manage our budgets, and ultimately be more efficient and productive."

Rental Products

Autodesk Rental Products provide a new licensing option for customers who do not need a perpetual license and want to rent Autodesk software for periods of 30, 60, or 90 days. Autodesk Rental Products are full functioning versions of Autodesk software with the same features, compatibility, and functionality as software offered under perpetual licenses. Renting gives customers the option of treating the cost of a software license as a reimbursable expense. Renting also offers customers the flexibility to use Autodesk software only for the length of time that a particular project may require -- a significant benefit if a project requires additional designers on a short-term basis. Finally, renting allows customers to test new software with limited financial commitment. When the rental term expires, customers have the option of renewing for another rental period or purchasing a perpetual license without the need to reinstall software.

"The new Autodesk Rental Products give design professionals greater flexibility in how they meet short-term, high-demand projects," said David C. McFadden, Founder/CEO, Consulting for Architects, Inc., the nation's largest per-project staffing firm for architects. "Through the program, companies faced with a temporary spike in work can now hire short-term staff or outsource projects to consultants without being forced to absorb the cost of purchasing a new, full seat."

Self-Hosted Products

Autodesk Self-Hosted Products provide access to Autodesk software as a hosted application located on a customer's central server and deployed to multiple desktops via an internal network. In comparison to running multiple desktop installations by hosting software, customers can share licenses across their user base, configure these licenses centrally to satisfy their unique corporate standards, rapidly deploy upgrades at a low cost, provide immediate access to verified users and decrease overall system support costs by optimizing IT staff and resources centrally. Customers receive functionality identical to that of Autodesk desktop versions, but with special adjustments that enhance performance and network scalability in particular hosted environments.

Availability

The Autodesk Subscription Program will be available for most Autodesk products and services and will be offered through all Autodesk channels. The program will first become available in the United States and Canada, starting in the summer of 2001. The program will be rolled out throughout the rest of the world at later dates this year and next. To join the program, customers must be on the current version of a product and must buy subscription at the time of purchase of a product or upgrade.

Autodesk Rental Products will initially be available for the following selected products: AutoCAD(R) 2002, Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3.3, and Autodesk CAD Overlay(R) 2002, when these products begin shipping this summer in the United States and Canada. Additional Autodesk software will become available on a rental basis over the rest of the year in the United States and Canada. Autodesk is currently researching customer needs in other countries.

Autodesk Self-Hosted Products will become available initially for AutoCAD 2002, Autodesk Map 5, and Autodesk CAD Overlay 2002 when these products begin shipping this summer. Additional Autodesk software will become available on a hosted basis over the rest of the year.

About Autodesk

Autodesk (Nasdaq:ADSK) is the world's leading design software and digital content company for architectural design and land development, manufacturing, utilities, telecommunications, and media and entertainment. Founded in 1982, Autodesk provides design software, Internet portal services, wireless development platforms, and point-of-location applications that empower more than four million customers in over 150 countries to drive business and remain competitive. For more information, contact any Authorized Autodesk Reseller, call Autodesk at 800/964-6432, or visit www.autodesk.com. Discreet(TM) product information is available at 800/869-3504 or via the Web at www.discreet.com.

Note to Editors: Autodesk, AutoCAD, and CAD Overlay are registered trademarks, and Discreet is a trademark, of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or certain other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks are used solely for the purpose of identification and belong to their respective holders.