Autodesk's NT Strategy
8 messages in this thread
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.
Jeffrey:
Any idea what is Autodesk's commitment to it's 3DS and AniPro products as far
as Windows/NT. While the ACAD product has a Windows version laready realeased
and an imminent NT version ver little seems to be done to port 3DS to a more
graphical user interface. True?
Sanjeev.
Sanjeev – Your observations are correct, and I'm afraid I have little
information to give you about porting 3DS and AniPro to other operating
environments. I have heard of no plans to do so at this point.
Sanjeev,
I haven't seen anything about our 3DS and AAPro products and their future
products (including the infamous 3DS R3!) moving towards Windows. However, I
think that's because Autodesk has a policy about keeping its development
directions secret. I would think you're right in assuming that a lot of
functionality, multimedia stuff, is the direction for Microsoft's Windows
development (no, I haven't checked with them!) and it would be a natural for
our Multimedia products too.
Alas, those who are "in the know" at Autodesk are not likely to comment.
Nik
While I can understand a company's desire for secrecy, and am bound
myself by several non-disclosure agreements, including from Microsoft, I
beleive there should be limits to it.
There is a balance where disclusing future information hurts users more
then prevents competitors from taking advantage of teh information. While not
mentioning RenderMan support, or other like features, I can understand –
refusal to state whether 3D Studio supports will work with Windows NT is
extremely problematic for end-users. I can not speak for current users of your
product, but as a consultant help a company put together 3D Studio animation
system, that basic NT question is very problomatic for purchasers. As NT will
inevitably be required for other software in the near future, will a company
need to buy two machines – one to run DOS/3D Studio, another to run all the
other software and NT.
Nik, I don't expect this note to convince you to reveal any information
your company withholds, but at least you may convey my sentimance to those that
formulate the rules.
Thanks
martin
Martin,
Point taken, and thanks for your comments. I'll pass this message to Bob
Bennett, the product manager. Although this may not change Autodesk's decision
to handle things in this way, your feedback is important.
Nik
PMJI – but I believe Intergraph's Microstation is being ported to Alpha AXP/NT.
In view of products which are fast-becoming available on this platform, it's
difficult to understand Adesk's reluctance to disclose even whether it intends
to head in that direction. In my view, the Intergraph/Alpha/NT thing could be
a knock-out punch to the very market in which Adesk seems well-entrenched.
Then again, nothing lasts forever! I'm sure the Adesk response to these, and
other assaults like Microsoft/Playmation, will be worthy – just as I'm sure
we'll all be strung along, not knowing whether to wait or not. So…what's
new?
Eli.
Your message has been forwarded! I can see this is a strong topic. Thanks for
your comments, Eli.
Nik