Will Help Customers Further Reduce the Need for Physical Prototypes

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced the acquisition of Solid Dynamics, SA, a French company whose kinematics/dynamics technology enables designers in the manufacturing market to simulate, analyze, test and optimize physical motion and loading in mechanical assemblies, a process known as motion simulation and analysis. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO )

Solid Dynamics' technology is already in use by Autodesk customers as a certified application of Autodesk Inventor, the world's best selling 3D design software. The acquisition will allow Autodesk to integrate the technology into future releases of its design software product line.

This technology is vital to designers who want to simulate the motion of mechanical assemblies without the expense of building physical prototypes, thereby significantly reducing costs and time to market. This increased design efficiency allows designers to realize their ideas, spending more time on innovative designs that provide a distinct business advantage.

"Dynamic simulation is another example of how Autodesk is delivering highly sophisticated functionality to all manufacturers," said Robert Kross, vice president of Autodesk's Manufacturing Solutions Division. "This acquisition allows us to incorporate Solid Dynamics' technology and engineering team directly into the Autodesk family, providing highly specialized capabilities and expertise to our customers. The Solid Dynamics technology is recognized in the industry as best in class, exactly what we look for as we extend our solution capabilities and further our commitment to the manufacturing market."

In a recent poll of Autodesk manufacturing customers, dynamic simulation was ranked as a key technology requirement in helping them achieve significant cost reductions and time-to-market improvements.

Based in Roanne, France, Solid Dynamics was founded in 1992 by Dr. Fabien Chojnowski, the CEO and president; and Laurent Chojnowski, director of R&D. The company's technology is used by commercial manufacturers and in education -- notably in French high schools and universities that offer mechanical engineering training.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With six million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency and maximizing profits.

Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.

NOTE: Autodesk and Autodesk Inventor are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT:

Sarah Singleton
+1-415-318-4160
singlets@fleishman.com
SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.
Web site: http://www.autodesk.com