HydraCAD Provides Customization Ability to Fire Protection Industry

WINDHAM, N.H., March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hydratec, Incorporated, today announced support for AutoCAD(R) 2006 next generation design software from Autodesk, Inc., the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media and wireless data services fields. AutoCAD 2006 software allows users to create, manage and share design information faster, to compete and win.

AutoCAD 2006 offers Hydratec customers a wide variety of new tools and features that will help fire sprinkler designers and engineers draw plans more quickly and with more flexibility. Hydratec believes that this newest version of AutoCAD makes it clear that Autodesk has put a lot of thought and effort into the drafting tools portion of AutoCAD, directly enhancing the tools that customers in the fire protection industry use most.

New customization tools allow users to define their own button, toolbar and icon menus and add their own pulldown menus. This is a well-received enhancement that Hydratec customers will fully utilize. The new "Heads-Up Design" interface frees users from the command line, allowing them to concentrate on what they are drawing and speeding up the design and drafting processes.

"It is a source of pride that this new AutoCAD release will be utilized in fire safety," said John Sanders, vice president of Autodesk's Platform Technology Division. "We're pleased to join forces with Hydratec, a long-time member of the Autodesk Developer Network, to establish better fire protection."

"Hydratec values its partnership with Autodesk and the thousands of users we share," said Arthur Dove, chief technology officer at Hydratec. "We chose to work with Autodesk nearly 20 years ago and have been happy with that decision since day one."

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) 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 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.

The Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) is comprised of more than 2500 technology partners around the world that extend Autodesk solutions to meet the industry-specific needs of customers. New 2006-compatible applications from ADN partners are launched every day at: www.autodesk.com/partnerproducts.

About Hydratec

Hydratec has been producing software for the fire protection industry since its founding in 1972. Hydratec's beginnings as a division of a sprinkler installation company and subsequent experience as a local sprinkler design service company have given us the background necessary to write and support relevant and useful software. In the 33 years since we have grown to be a world leader in fire sprinkler software. Hydratec's expertise has been gained through its experience in the service business, through its staff, and especially from the input from its valued and diverse customer base.

Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

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

Hydratec Contact:
Art Dove
Hydratec, Inc.
603 434-0502
art@hydracad.com

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.
03/15/2005
CONTACT: Art Dove of Hydratec, Inc., +1-603-434-0502, or art@hydracad.com
Web site: http://www.autodesk.com