CompuServe Messages

For Immediate Release Autodesk Establishes Cyberspace University Grant Program Will Donate More Than US$100,000 in Software for the Development of Virtual Worlds SAUSALITO, Calif.–November 1, 1994–Autodesk, Inc. today announced the Cyberspace Developer Kit (CDK) Release 2 University Grant Program, which will make Autodesk's virtual reality development software available to as many as 50 colleges and universities at no charge. Intended to promote the development of virtual reality applications in the classroom and the adoption of advanced 3D design and programming concepts into curricula and research, the Grant Program is available to accredited colleges and universities in the United States and Canada only. "The CDK Grant Program is an ideal way for Autodesk to become more involved in that part of the university research community dedicated to the development and application of interactive 3D graphics technology," said Joe Fantuzzi, general manager of Autodesk's Multimedia Division. "Autodesk is committed to virtual reality as a practical extension of 3D visualization technology, and the opportunity to form technical partnerships and explore new application areas with educators and their students more than justifies the cost of this program." Application Process The program will be administered jointly by Autodesk's Multimedia Division and Autodesk's Education Marketing Department, which will accept applications from representatives of qualified institutions between now and February 15, 1995. Applicants are required to provide a detailed description of how the software grant will be utilized, state how students and university departments will be involved, describe the applicability of CDK Release 2 to curriculum development, expected project results and project timeframe. Upon grant approval, participants will be issued full development copies of the CDK Release 2. They are required to provide Autodesk with samples of curriculum materials and CDK-based environments, as well as a written report of project results and an evaluation of the CDK Release 2 software. For more information, or to obtain a grant application form, call 800-879-4233. Program Product Support An on-line technical support system providing direct access to Autodesk cyberspace engineers has been established to address programming issues that arise at University Grant Program sites. This will also enable Autodesk representatives to obtain feedback from students and faculty at any of the grant sites. Cyberspace Developer Kit Release 2 The Cyberspace Developer Kit Release 2, a major upgrade of Autodesk's award- winning toolset for 3D visualization and simulation, begins shipping November 29, 1994. A comprehensive set of C++ class libraries, the CDK Release 2 software boasts support for Windows (TM) 3.1 with 32-bit extensions and Windows NT(R) texture-mapping capabilities, rendering-solution independence and tighter integration with 3D Studio(R) plus support for sound cards and a host of new input and output devices. In addition, the CDK Release 2 includes HOOPS(R) 4.0, the 3D graphics system for building advanced visualization applications from Ithaca Software, Autodesk's Component Technology Business Division. Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of computer-aided design (CAD) automation software and the fifth-largest PC software company in the world. The company develops, markets, and supports a family of design automation and professional multimedia software and component technologies for use on personal computers and workstations. A global company since its founding in 1982, Autodesk markets products in 115 countries and 18 languages. Autodesk shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ACAD. For more information on Autodesk, please call 415-332-2344 or type GO ADESK on CompuServe(R). # # # Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, and 3D Studio are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. HOOPS is a registered trademark of Ithaca Software. Windows NT is a registered trademark, and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. CompuServe is a registered trademark of H&R Block. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.