Autodesk Connects with Customers to Help Drive the Development of New Software Solutions
Written by Autodesk
26 September 2006
New Autodesk Labs Website Allows Users to Test Applications Early in the Development Process, Providing Critical Feedback in Real Time
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sept. 26-- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), the world's leading 3D software company, today introduced Autodesk Labs (http://labs.autodesk.com/), a site that provides free, early access to prototypes, experimental and beta applications and technologies. The site strengthens the company's commitment to connecting with its new and existing users, enabling direct feedback that leads to better products and solutions.
Autodesk Labs offers downloads for everything from plug-ins and web services to new applications, giving testers an easy way to provide feedback that will help Autodesk product development teams focus on the most innovative features and functions. This direct feedback loop will enable customers to offer insight and creative ideas to the product feedback cycle, thereby giving users a voice in the development of products and services.
"Autodesk Labs is for anyone interested in trying state-of-the-art design tools while they're in development -- and it provides a rapid feedback mechanism for our product designers and developers who need to get direct customer input on out-of-the-box ideas early in the development cycle," said John Sanders, vice president, Autodesk Platform Technology. "In addition to customer interviews, surveys and formal beta trial programs, Autodesk Labs provides an informal opportunity for users to tell us what they want through early, hands-on access to technology -- all at their convenience."
Several beta applications are available immediately: a public beta trial of Google Earth Extension for AutoCAD-based applications; a translator for sharing AutoCAD DWG and Bentley MicroStation 2D V8 DGN files; a Web client for viewing DWF files without downloading any software; a utility for storing a copy of vaulted data: and a technology preview that allows users to convert non-native 3D parts into fully featured Inventor parts. Users do not have to be Autodesk customers to try the technology at Autodesk Labs.
First Autodesk Labs Tools Enhance Interoperability and Communication
The first five beta tools offered are diverse, but their impact is similar: All five tools address an aspect of making drawings and related data easier to use across applications and users:
-- Google Earth Extension (beta) provides a wizard-driven interface to publish 3D models from AutoCAD 2007, Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2007, Autodesk Civil 3D 2007 and Autodesk Map 3D 2007 directly into the Google Earth interface. Architects and engineers can offer contextual insight into projects and concepts from the planning stage to public approval. -- Autodesk DGNV8 Translator (beta) lets users share AutoCAD DWG and Bentley MicroStation 2D V8 DGN files among engineers, architects, and extended team members. Built into Autodesk Civil 3D, Autodesk Land Desktop and Autodesk Map 3D products, now users of any AutoCAD 2007- based application can submit and work with DGN and DWG files interchangeably. -- Project Freewheel (technology preview) offers browser-based access to view and navigate DWF file-based CAD drawings in Web pages or on a mobile device without requiring the installation of viewing software. -- Autodesk Vault Mirror Utility (beta) provides a simple way for companies to create a duplicate copy of their vaulted data that will allow them to provide external access to the files from locations either internal or external. Companies can also use this utility to schedule regular updates to their "mirrored" data to ensure that changes made to one vault are reflected in a "mirrored" version. -- Feature Recognition for Inventor (technology preview) allows users to convert non-native 3D parts into fully featured Inventor parts automatically, or with user guidance. Resulting features are native parametric Inventor holes, fillets, chamfers, extrudes or revolves, easily modified using standard editing commands. This is especially helpful for Inventor customers who need to modify non-native 3D content.Due to the early-stage nature of applications and technology offered at Autodesk Labs, the software is not intended for mission-critical projects, nor is it supported. User feedback, however, will play a crucial role in further development of these technologies as well as their possible incorporation into commercial products. Users are encouraged to comment via dedicated e-mail feedback which goes directly to the development teams.
Initial Feedback
Since going live about two months ago, Autodesk Labs has received more than 190,000 hits and over 49,000 unique visitors from 150 countries. There have been more than 10,000 downloads of the beta products available on the site, and hundreds of positive emails about the offerings and the overall experience, including suggestions for new products.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 company, wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading 3D software 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 http://www.autodesk.com/.
Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Map, Civil 3D, DWF and DWG 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.
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