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AUTODESK PRESENTS WINDOWS NT ROADMAP AutoCAD for NT Developer Release Scheduled for Summer Availability Sausalito, CA – May 17, 1993 – Autodesk will outline its strategy for bringing an NT-based version of AutoCAD, software to the design automation market at the annual Windows World trade show in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 24. The strategy includes plans to: – ship an AutoCAD for NT Developer Release shortly after Windows NT(tm) shipments begin – designate Intel-based Windows NT as a first-release platform for the next release of AutoCAD software. "Windows NT is an exciting operating system that promises to bring superior performance and functionality to the PC-based design automation market," said Carol Bartz, chairman and CEO of Autodesk. "As the success of AutoCAD Release 12 for Windows 3.1 demonstrates, we know how to deliver the benefits of new platform technology like NT to that market. We also believe that Windows NT will be a primary application development platform for the industry." The AutoCAD for NT Developer Release will allow interested developers to explore the Windows NT environment and begin preliminary application development. The Developer Release will be available, at no cost, in late summer to Autodesk Registered Developers directly from Autodesk. Earlier this year, Autodesk began shipping AutoCAD Release 12 for Windows, which offers the full Release 12 feature set and speed, plus Windows flexibility and ease of use. AutoCAD Release 12 for Windows has won critical acclaim and is quickly becoming the desktop solution of choice for CAD customers who need to perform professional drafting and design tasks. "Autodesk is a key vendor in the CAD market, and we are honored that they have chosen Windows NT for future releases of AutoCAD," said Paul Maritz, senior vice president, systems division at Microsoft. "Windows NT software brings many benefits to the design automation market that will complement AutoCAD software's capabilities as a great design application." "AutoCAD Release 12 for Windows is the premier Windows CAD package today," said John Lynch, vice president of Autodesk's Product Development Group. "The steps that Autodesk and the Registered Developer community are taking will ensure that AutoCAD users can take full advantage of NT's multitasking, multiprocessing and other advanced capabilities in their design automation solution." Autodesk representatives underscored Autodesk's ongoing commitment to platform independence and indicated that other NT platforms would be considered as they come to market. For customers who wish to migrate from AutoCAD software on other platforms to the NT-based AutoCAD version, a smooth upgrade path will be implemented, along with appropriate support. AutoCAD software is a powerful and comprehensive product that automates most esign and drafting processes, increases accuracy, simplifies changes and revisions and boosts productivity. It is supported by the largest and broadest range of independent applications in the design automation industry. For the name of the Authorized AutoCAD Dealer nearest you in the United States, call 800-964-6432. In Europe, fax +41-22-7882144; Asia/Pacific, fax 415-491-8398; and Latin America, fax 415-491-8303. Software developers interested in AutoCAD for NT should call 415-491-8750. Note: This press release will be available in library 9, What's New!, of the Autodesk AutoCAD Forum (GO ACAD), in the file NTMAP.RLS.