Autodesk Introduces Program for Architectural Desktop Certified Experts

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), in response to customer demand, today announced the expansion of its Autodesk Certified Expert Program to include Autodesk(R) Architectural Desktop, the market-leading AutoCAD(R)-based design and documentation productivity solution for architects. Architectural Desktop 2006 has been updated with new features to help architects and designers create, manage and share design information more effectively, which contributes to increased profitability, reduced risk and greater efficiency in building design, construction and management.

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Architectural Desktop 2006 incorporates a number of powerful new features that enable architects and designers to realize their ideas, save time, and improve collaboration using real-world building objects. These include Project Standards, which automate the maintenance and synchronization of standards such as style definitions and display settings across an entire multi-file project; more standard 2D detail components; and the ability to display the project according to non-graphical themes such as program data.

"There is significant demand in the industry for professionals with experience using Autodesk software, including Architectural Desktop, and companies want assurance that they are hiring qualified and professional users," said Garrett Browning, Principal, Promotional Technologies Group, a leading industry recruiting agency. "Because Autodesk's software is industry leading, having this certification significantly enhances applicant's job prospects."

The Architectural Desktop Certified Expert program enables highly skilled users to gain credentials that demonstrate their proficiency and extensive knowledge of the product, and may also provide competitive advantage. Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006 delivers the very best AutoCAD-based design and documentation productivity for architects, and by acquiring certification on the software professional architects and designers can gain a competitive advantage and advance their career opportunities. Certification programs for additional Autodesk applications will be announced later this year. Additional information on the program is available at www.autodesk.com/adtcertified .

"I encourage all my power users to take the certification exam," said Ron McDonald, CAD Administrator, Butler Rosenbury & Partners. "Autodesk Certified Expert is the only type of credential available to prove my experience."

A Comprehensive Portfolio of Software Solutions for the Building Industry

With the right combination of leading-edge technologies, decades of proven industry experience, and unparalleled, worldwide services, Autodesk offers the most comprehensive portfolio of products for the building industry. Ranging from the most advanced technology for building information modeling (BIM) to the most widely adopted design and documentation solutions, Autodesk supports information and management needs through the building lifecycle. Building solutions products include Autodesk Revit Building, Autodesk(R) Architectural Desktop, Autodesk(R) Building Systems, and Autodesk(R) AutoCAD Revit Series.

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 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, AutoCAD, Revit and Autodesk Inventor are either 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.

Contact: Noah Cole, 415-547-2405

Email: noah.cole@autodesk.com

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.
05/18/2005
CONTACT: Noah Cole of Autodesk, Inc., +1-415-547-2405, or noah.cole@autodesk.com
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