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Ergon Energy, a Queensland company enthusiastic about delivering sustainable quality energy solutions, has implemented CAD Design Tool to increase productivity, accuracy and encourage standardisation amongst its external designers.

Autodesk CAD Design enforces data rules, drawing and internal standards on Ergon Energy’s external designers, encourages the use of AutoCAD as the primary design technology and allows for the automatic integration of data into Ergon’s geographic information system (GIS).

Since the implementation of Autodesk CAD Design Tool, Ergon has seen a dramatic increase in productivity by eliminating double and manual handling of all design data. Autodesk CAD Design tool lets Ergon Energy better utilise a number of full time resources, reducing the manual labour involved in entering the design data into Ergon Energy’s other systems.

This new solution has allowed Ergon Energy to better meet the needs of its customers,

as it has up-to-date information on hand in the event of an incident, ensuring Ergon can monitor, manage and repair faults quicker.

Mark Volz, CAD manager, Ergon Energy, said, “The biggest benefi t of CAD Design Tool is its ability to import external designs directly back into our GIS, which then updates our maintenance records and everything else inside our enterprise resource planning (ERP), from asset maintenance and accounting

records to our outages management system.

“The CAD Design Tool integrates with our schematics just by setting the standards in one spot, then we can just load it and it fl ows through to all of our systems.”

For more information

To learn more about how the CAD Design Tool can be customised to your business needs, visit www.autodesk.com.au

From the editorial desk

As unlikely as it seems right now, the world economy will improve and companies need to be ready for it when it does. Already there are small, positive signs of recovery, and it’s well documented that Australia has performed better than most other developed economies.

Consider some recent indicators.

Business confi dence in the June quarter surged by the greatest amount since 1975, according to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Westpac. Japan, the world’s third-largest economy and one of Australia’s key trading partners, has just recorded its biggest rise in executive-level business confi dence since 2006.

That’s why the time to be investing in research and development is now, so new products

are ready to bring to market when the time is right. Companies that have mothballed innovation and development will be left on the starting blocks when demand recovers. That’s when market share will change hands and new, unexpected competitors will emerge.

To help companies make their next generation of ideas real, Autodesk recently launched its 2010 design and engineering software portfolio.

This new software range enables better designs, increased productivity and improved performance – meaning R&D budgets can stretch further and bigger ideas can be brought to life.

For further information on these upgrades see

the company news section or visit www.autodesk.com/purchaseoptions.

Thank you for reading Autodesk Matters and all the best for the coming fi nancial year.

Prepare for the upturn

Customer success story – Ergon Energy

Autodesk MattersWinter Issue 2009

Ergon Energy uses CAD Design Tool to increase productivity, accuracy and standardisation

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Autodesk MattersWinter Issue 2009

Company news

Autodesk has launched its 2010 design and engineering software portfolio, which provides new features and functionality across more than 50 new products enabling better design, increased productivity and improved performance.

Autodesk’s 2010 software portfolio will better equip designers, architects, engineers and digital artists with software that allows them to fundamentally and sustainably change the way people live, learn, work and play.

Carl Bass, Autodesk CEO, said, “Autodesk’s 2010 product range off ers unprecedented new functionality, including hundreds of innovative new features that allow our

customers to better experience their ideas digitally.”

Autodesk has recently partnered with the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) to provide visualisation technology for Project Two Degrees, an Internet-based application created to give cities around the world practical tools to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a local level.

Launched by William J. Clinton, the CCI creates and advances solutions to the primary issues driving climate change. Working in conjunction with governments and businesses around the world, CCI adapts local solutions that are economically and environmentally sustainable, including:

increasing energy effi ciency in cities•

catalysing the large-scale supply of clean • energy

working to measure and value the carbon • absorbed by forests.

The Project Two Degrees application uses Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise, which acts as the model-based virtualisation environment, to view, evaluate and compare the results of analysing and monitoring the C40 city.

Autodesk also provides building performance based analysis tools to help cities take meaningful actions in curbing local and regional impacts of climate change, helping to save money, conserve energy and track tangible progress.

Participating cities are able to establish a baseline on their greenhouse gas emissions, manage inventories, create action plans, track the eff ectiveness of their emissions reduction programs, and share experiences with each other using the fi rst global, multi-lingual emissions measurement tool available 24/7 via the web.

Users enter data on emission producing activities such as fuel and electricity consumption, vehicle traffi c, waste production, industrial processes and air and sea vessel fuel use.

The software then converts the data into tonnes of CO2 equivalent, taking into consideration the source and type of energy and fuel used. Once data has been entered, users can customise the data and coeffi cients for the calculations. Data is managed in a private and secure environment that allows administrators to choose what data to publish and share with other users.

The application is designed to be compatible with internationally accepted protocols such as those developed by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the World Resources Institute (WRI), World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability.

This common measurement system will enable cities to easily compare and share best practices on emissions reductions, energy savings, cost savings, and other project benefi ts.

If you’d like more information about Project Two Degrees, please visit www.project2degrees.org

For more information about the Autodesk’s partnership with the CCI, please visit: www.autodesk.com/green

Change the way you live, learn, work and play with Autodesk’s 2010 software portfolio

Project Two Degrees

For information about all Autodesk 2010 products and availability please visit http://south-apac.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=1157326&id=9324029. Keep reading Autodesk Matters for a sneak peak at the following 2010 products: • Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 • Autodesk Navisworks 2010 • Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010 • AutoCAD Map 3D 2010 • Autodesk Topobase 2010

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Autodesk MattersWinter Issue 2009

Events

Events and campaigns

Autodesk is excited to be a featured exhibitor at the Spatially Enabled Government Summit (SEGS) ’09, to be held at The Marque, Canberra, on August 25 and 26, 2009.

The annual conference, designed to gather all levels of government, as well as government agencies, will focus on three core topics critical to the improvement of organisations geographic information system and spatial infrastructure:

gaining maximum use and benefi t from 1. data collected for new projects

maximising the value of spatial information2. with eff ective data management and data currency strategies, such as selecting the

right tool for the right project at the right time

developing a holistic government approach 3. to interoperability, such as strategies to implement on any scale of operation.

Keynote speakers will address these three core topics to help delegates understand the political and technological background of a holistic approach, building mechanisms for sharing, maintaining and assuring the quality

of geographic information; investigating licensing models that facilitate access, and opportunities for new development; analysing the investment needed over fi ve years to develop a national spatial data infrastructure, and developing and implementing advanced spatial data infrastructure concepts.

Brendan Soustal from Midcoast Water will lead a discussion on eff ective strategies for maximising the use of spatial information, including the implementation of Autodesk

Topobase at Midcoast Water.

To register for SEGS, please visit http://www.spatialgovernment.com/ShowEvent.aspx?id=178068&langtype=1033.

Spatially Enabled Government Summit ’09

Campaigns

Customers holding licences for Autodesk 2007 retiring products have a limited time to upgrade!

As of March 16, 2010, customers will no longer receive upgrade pricing or technical support for these products.

After this date customers wishing to move to the latest release of their Autodesk software will be required to purchase a new commercial licence.

To upgrade, or for further information, please visit http://south-apac.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=13189157&siteID=1157326&

DCMP=ILC-RETIRE_AU

On March 15, 2010, Autodesk will retire upgrades from the following 2007 software products:

Platform solutionsAutoCAD LT 2007 • AutoCAD 2007 • Autodesk Raster Design 2007 •

Architecture, engineering and construction solutions

Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2007 • Autodesk Land Desktop 2007 •

Autodesk Building Systems 2007 • AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite 9 • Revit Architecture 9 • AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2 • AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite 4 • Autodesk Civil 3D 2007 •

Geospatial solutionsAutodesk Map 3D 2007 •

Manufacturing solutionsAutoCAD Mechanical 2007• AutoCAD Electrical 2007 •

Autodesk Inventor Series 11 • Autodesk Inventor Professional 11 • Autodesk Inventor Routed Systems • Suite 11 Autodesk Inventor Simulation Suite 11 •

Media and entertainment solutionsAutodesk VIZ 2007 • Autodesk 3ds Max 9 • Autodesk Maya Complete 8.5 • Autodesk Maya Unlimited 8.5 • Autodesk MotionBuilder 7 & 7.5 •

Limited time to upgrade Autodesk 2007 software

Is your software being retired?

4

Autodesk MattersWinter Issue 2009

From March 16, 2010, Autodesk will introduce a new streamlined upgrade pricing model, changing how it prices upgrades, cross-grades and retroactive subscription fees.

Under the current pricing model, prices of upgrades, cross-grades and retroactive subscription fees vary on the software release being upgraded.

In the new pricing model, upgrades, cross-grades and retroactive subscription fees from any of the three previous software releases will cost 50 per cent of a full licence.

Each new Autodesk release is designed to help customers work smarter and faster, with

product boosting advantages including:fl exible licensing rights • home licence use • web support • self-paced training• incremental product enhancements (on • selected products).

To get current and stay current, upgrade your Autodesk 2007, 2008, and 2009 software with Autodesk subscription before March 16, 2010.

For more information, please visit http://south-apac.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=13189157&siteID=1157326&DCMP=ILC-RETIRE_AU

Events and campaigns

Autodesk introduces streamlined upgrade pricing model

Campaigns

Autodesk is excited to off er Autodesk Inventor subscription customers the Inventor iLogic Extension 2009 as an add-on for the Autodesk Inventor 2009 family of software products.

Inventor iLogic broadens and enhances parametric design capabilities, automates tedious design tasks and adds higher levels of design intelligence to digital prototypes.

Through the integration of Inventor iLogic into Inventor 2009, users are able to:

create ‘smart’ parts and assemblies that - defi ne multiple product confi gurations, and make automatic updates in real-time based on logical relationships between design parameters

simplify rules-based design with easy-to-- use, clickable tools that any Inventor user working at the individual and engineering workgroup level can use – including those with little or no programming experience

automate tedious design tasks by - adopting higher than ever before levels of intelligence to digital prototypes.

For further information on Inventor iLogic,

please email ilogic@autodesk.com or contact your Autodesk authorised value added reseller.

To download Inventor iLogic, or to trial the hands-on tutorial and learn more

about Inventor iLogic, please log in to the subscription center at http://subscription.autodesk.com/sp/servlet/public/index?siteID=11564774&id=11607975.

Inventor iLogic Extension 2009 for subscription customers

5

Autodesk MattersWinter Issue 2009

Digital prototyping has off ered benefi ts to large manufacturing organisations for many years, but the expense of the customised tools required to build a true digital prototype has kept them out of reach for many small and medium sized companies. In addition most out-of-the-box 3D modelling applications provide only part of the functionality needed to create a complete digital prototype.

Autodesk is ensuring that it caters to the needs of smaller organisations by introducing design tools, and packages that contain cost-eff ective, attainable and scalable solutions that enhance the design team’s functionality.

Autodesk’s digital prototyping software allows product design teams (both conceptual designers and engineers) to build, explore and test new products digitally before they become a physical reality. This in turn decreases costs, increases effi ciency and produces an environmentally friendly product.

An independent study by the Aberdeen Group showed best-in-class manufacturers build half the number of physical prototypes as the average manufacturer, yet experience 48 per cent lower prototyping costs.

Conceptual design, engineering and manufacturing departments can use Autodesk’s digital prototyping software to collaborate, optimise and manage design eff orts with increased levels of communication and data sharing, using a single digital model throughout the design process. This increases visibility across the entire design process, ensuring design confl icts and product bugs can be tested for and addressed more effi ciently.

Digital simulation can be used to virtually optimise and validate a product, reducing the need to build several expensive physical prototypes. Stress analysis and motion simulation tools can help engineers validate

and optimise the complete product design in a digital environment before sending to the manufacturing team, preventing costly manufacturing errors.

Digital prototyping also addresses the need for customer or management input into the design. A functioning 3D digital model of the product demonstrates how the physical product will look, feel and function, letting the client visually confi rm whether the product meets the specifi ed requirements without the need to build a physical prototype.

Digital prototyping can also assist businesses in vastly reducing their corporate carbon footprint. By reducing the number of physical prototypes built and the specifi c tools, moulds and parts required to produce each prototype, digital prototyping provides a measurable, transparent and straightforward way for businesses to become more environmentally friendly.

Manufacturing

Industry news

Autodesk Navisworks 2010 lets architecture, engineering, and construction fi rms use digital design data, and content across their extended teams, helping to optimise resources, control costs and minimise the risk of errors. The software’s enhanced features enable greater insight and predictability among users, improving productivity and quality on even the most complex projects. All stakeholders enjoy a whole project view to improve decision-making, performance planning and management.

Reduce errors and on-site expenditure 1. – ensures that higher-quality, more coordinated, internally consistent information is produced and that the data extends across the project.

Increase visibility, exploration and 2. understanding of complex models – compresses fi les for interactive visualisation and smooth real-time walk-through, so customers can navigate, explore, and review even the largest and most complex 3D models on standard PCs.

Visualise and coordinate designs in one 3. project – provides compatibility with most major native design and laser-scan fi le formats, which means that 3D design data created in 3D plant design and BIM applications can be combined with geometry and information created with other design tools and then reviewed.

Share 3D designs with others –4. the whole-project view can be published in both Navisworks native NWD format and 3D DWF format, giving all stakeholders access.

Realise the value of the design data 5. created in BIM and in 3D plant design projects – 3D project review software products and their real-time environment are perfect for faster review, off ering a more reliable way to challenge and check the detailed design.

Increase insight and construction and 6. operational predictability – 3D project review software products deliver a rich and powerful toolkit that includes measure, mark up, and comment, to aid

project model understanding and analysis.

Walk-through and experience your 7. design in real-time – open native CAD fi les for real-time walk-through of the project. The experience can be extended, with access to the whole-project view available through using Navisworks Freedom 2010 software.

Get full value from existing 8. construction planning software – create an easier-to-understand visual simulation of work processes by linking existing 3D model data and project schedules.

Ability to clash design work9. – deliver more eff ective identifi cation, inspection, and reporting of interferences in a 3D project model, which means that you can help ensure your design is issue free.

Create images and animation that 10. visualise and present the design easily in 3D – Presenter functionality that can be used to more easily create compelling images and animations to more accurately and eff ectively convey design ideas and intent.

The importance of digital prototyping

Our top ten: Autodesk Navisworks 2010As part of our 2010 global product launch, we wanted to showcase the premier products in the Autodesk software range for each industry – along with the key functional features of the product, we’ve given you the top reasons to use each one.

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Autodesk Matters

Industry news

CARR, an architectural and interior design fi rm recognised for its contemporary aesthetics and sharp focus on detail, has implemented Autodesk Revit Architecture to optimise its design-to-documentation process and capitalise on new business

opportunities.

Autodesk Revit Architecture building design software works the way architects and designers think, enabling free design and effi cient delivery through a more intuitive process that mirrors the real world of architecture. Revit Architecture provides building information modelling (BIM) data to support sustainable design, clash detection, construction planning and fabrication.

CARR integrated Revit Architecture in 2004 primarily due to its powerful integration capabilities, as concepts created with the software can be easily edited in AutoCAD and

subsequently visualised in Revit Architecture.

Revit Architecture has helped CARR increase its productivity by 20 per cent through shortened production cycles, higher-quality documentation and enhanced client services. CARR has experienced signifi cant time savings with a reduced need to coordinate drawing sheets and constantly cross-check referencing, as well as cost savings by being able to more accurately communicate design intent to its clients.

CARR counts on Revit Architecture to help boost design quality, generate visually engaging and accurate documentation and exceed client expectations. The software enables the company to position itself as a leader in the fi eld of architecture and design.

For more information

To learn more about how Revit Architecture can be customised to your business needs, visit www.autodesk.com.au.

Architecture, engineering and constructionCARR optimises its design-to-documentation process & capitalises on new business opportunities

iCopy for Inventor is an exciting new product that can signifi cantly improve your organisation’s productivity, enabling you to make multiple copies of an assembly that automatically resizes to fi t your design.

Designs often require multiple instances of a standard element that needs to be adjusted with each occurrence. When dealing with a large number of elements, making these adjustments manually is time-consuming and prone to error.

By capturing a few key constraints, such as connection points and paths, iCopy creates and inserts multiple instances of the assembly and automatically adjusts the size and shape

of each occurrence based on your functional requirements.

iCopy for Inventor helps you:

save time by easily customising • commonly-used assemblies

avoid errors when working with complex • designs involving multiple paths

innovate by exploring multiple design • iterations quickly.

To download iCopy for Inventor and a tutorial to get you started please visit Autodesk’s lab site at http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/inventor_icopy/.

Save time, avoid errors and increase innovation using iCopy for Inventor

Winter Issue 2009

7

Autodesk MattersWinter Issue 2009

Industry news

Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 helps your business transition to building information modelling (BIM) at its own pace, while protecting your software, training and design data investments. The software’s enhanced ability to handle large projects will lead to

greater business opportunities. Its increased interoperability enables users to work more effi ciently with members of their extended project team and an improved user interface heightens productivity.

Conceptual design environment1. – easy-to-use tools for free-form modelling and parametric design and the ability to perform early design analysis. Greater levels of creative control, accuracy and fl exibility taking designs from concept model all the way through to construction documents within one intuitive environment.

Building maker –2. this feature helps transform conceptual forms into fully

functional designs, bringing conceptual massing concepts from applications into Autodesk Revit Architecture as mass objects, and beginning schematic design.

Bidirectional associativity –3. model information is stored in a single, coordinated database, and revisions and alterations are automatically updated throughout the model, minimising confl icting versions and signifi cantly reducing unpleasant surprises.

Parametric components (families)4. – off er an open, graphical system for design thinking and form making, while providing the opportunity to adjust and express design intent at detailed levels.

Schedules –5. changes to a schedule view are automatically refl ected in all other views. Functionality includes associative split-schedule sections and selectable design elements via schedule views, formulas, and fi ltering.

Detailing6. – the detail library and detailing tools enable extensive presorting, easing alignment with the CIM steel integration standards format. Detail libraries can be created, shared, and tailored to

accommodate individual offi ce standards.

Material takeoff –7. ideal for use on sustainable design projects and for precise verifi cation of material quantities in cost estimates, this feature signifi cantly smoothes the material quantity tracking process.

Intuitive user interface –8. fi nd favourite tools and commands faster, locate lesser-used tools more effi ciently, and discover relevant new features more easily. The result is less time searching through menus and toolbars, and more time getting your work done.

Sustainable design –9. support sustainable design processes from the earliest stages. Building information can be exported to green building extensible markup language (gbXML).

Design visualisation10. – create and capture photorealistic design ideas and contextual environments to experience your project before it is built. Integrated mental ray rendering delivers high-quality output, faster render times and a superior design presentation.

Our top ten: Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 softwareAs part of our 2010 global product launch, we wanted to showcase the premier products in the Autodesk software range for each industry – along with the key functional features of the product, we’ve given you the top reasons to use each one.

Autodesk Topobase 2010 infrastructure model management software provides accurate information about the assets throughout your organisation. Topobase is an open solution with industry-specifi c workfl ows that helps utilities improve the asset infrastructure model to reduce backlogs and improve operational effi ciency, data quality and responsiveness. Designed for cost-effi cient customisation and integration with your existing geographic information systems (GIS), Topobase enables you to leverage technology investments so you’ll benefi t from fast implementation and realise return on investment.

Autodesk Topobase software integrates

infrastructure design and management, providing easy access to accurate design, spatial and asset information throughout an organisation, which provides:

more effi cient decision-making by • integrating CAD, asset, GIS and customer information for a more comprehensive view of infrastructure

improved effi ciency and data quality due • to reduced manual input and conversion processes that decrease the accuracy of information

secure, shared spatial information • between departments within an organisation, such as operations, fi nance and fi eld staff .

Built on and leveraging the power of AutoCAD Map 3D, Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise and Oracle RDBMS software, Topobase is an open and fl exible framework that can be confi gured to support specifi c processes and integrated with existing business systems.

Integrate infrastructure design and management using Autodesk Topobase

Utilities

8

Autodesk MattersWinter Issue 2009

AutoCAD Map 3D 2010 software provides utilities with a tool for base map creation and management, which improves the infrastructure design process. Engineering and geographic information systems (GIS) professionals can work with the same data, and design processors can integrate geospatial functions in a single environment for more effi cient workfl ows. Leverage your existing CAD-trained workforce to save on training costs, use enhanced analysis and visualisation tools to make better design and maintenance decisions, establish standards and improve data consistency, and ensure all your teams have access to the latest information to improve productivity.

1. Real-world context – work with more than 4,000 real-world coordinate systems, or custom coordinate systems to execute coordinate transformations and use tools to accurately georeference AutoCAD design data. Combine CAD design information with alternative data and imagery, or integrate CAD data with existing GIS systems.

2.Directly access and exchange data – access and exchange the leading data formats used in design and GIS. Access raster imagery and connect to web mapping and web feature services to take advantage of data sources available on the Internet. AutoCAD Map 3D is interoperable with all major design and GIS software.

3. Create cleaner, more accurate designs and data – automate the correction of common drafting and digitising errors using powerful drawing cleanup tools to ensure GIS or mapping systems have accurate data.

4. Establish standards and integrate inconsistent data – organise objects in drawing by the real-world features they represent. By creating an object using object classifi cation, it automatically takes properties and values from its object class, maintaining consistency and establishing standards in drawing.

5. Use powerful mapping, analysis and visualisation tools – easily create stylised maps that highlight specifi c features, create legends, and use transparency to blend data and call out details with attribute-driven labels. Analysts tools let customers answer questions and make decisions about data.

6. Tap into sophisticated database features – AutoCAD Map 3D software provides open, standards-based database support and lets customers easily join CAD objects to commonly used databases.

7. Streamline tasks with workfl ow automation – AutoCAD Map 3D makes it easy to automate repetitive tasks using a new and powerful workfl ow framework and user interface. With this framework, users can build, save, and share simple and complex workfl ows using a visual editor.

8. Find the right information and work simultaneously – using DWG query functionality, multiple users can access, search, and edit the same sets of drawing fi les or base maps simultaneously. This effi cient and reliable way of working collaboratively with DWG-based information reduces the need for version control and minimises time spent waiting for data.

9. Maintain investments in spatial data with metadata – design and geospatial data are among an organisation’s most valuable assets. Maintain investment in spatial data with tools to create and edit metadata to help call out the who, what, when, where, why and how of spatial information and publish it in standard formats.

10. Easily distribute maps and design data – distribute your geospatial data, maps, and designs in ways that meet the organisation’s needs. Create drawings, designs and maps and publish them to the Internet quickly, or distribute them as individual georeferenced DWF fi les, multisheet DWF map books or paper plots.

Industry news

Our top ten: Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3DAs part of our 2010 global product launch, we wanted to showcase the premier products in the Autodesk software range for each industry – along with the key functional features of the product, we’ve given you the top reasons to use each one.

needs.gs,apsemtributedual DWF

et DWFpaper

Media and entertainment

As part of Cut&Paste 2009, the Digital Design Tournament 2009 was in Sydney at the start of June, for the last worldwide tour of the year before the global championship in New York.

The Autodesk-sponsored event travelled the globe, visiting 16 cities where a slate of three competitions (2D, 3D and motion graphics) were held, marking the debut of the global championship, a much-anticipated addition to the Cut&Paste annual world tour.

Sydney saw 16 competitors take to the stage at Sydney’s Metro Theatre in three

competitions with Lev Berry (2D), Ray Kristianto (3D) and Michelle McNamara (motion graphics) taking the Sydney titles.

Cut&Paste hopes to provide channels of visibility and inspiration for designers, both aspiring and established, to reach their existing audiences as well as potential fans.

To learn more about Cut&Paste Sydney, the competitors and the winning designs, please visit http://cutandpaste.com/events/2009/jun/6/sydney-2009/.

Cut & Paste – Sydney 2009

9

Industry news

Autodesk MattersWinter Issue 2009

Autodesk 3ds Max 2010 helps your business push the boundaries of creativity and effi ciency. Featuring out-of-the-box productivity, this software enables your artists and developers to create innovative new gaming experiences. 3ds Max 2010 removes barriers to software compatibility, leaving you and your facility free to realise your vision for the game and build the most effi cient workfl ows for maximum productivity by using the best software products for the job.

Out-of-the-box productivity1. – a comprehensive 3D modelling, animation, visual eff ects, and rendering solution that produces results out of the box.

Effi cient modelling2. – an extensive polygon modelling toolset, including over 100 new 3D modelling tools for freeform sculpting, texture painting, and advanced polygonal modelling, which are all unifi ed in an innovative user interface.

Flexible rendering –3. multiple renderers, tightly integrated through a consistent interface, to create any look, including fast scanline rendering for effi cient, production-quality software.

Community focus –4. available in six

languages and used worldwide, 3ds Max has a vibrant online community, which is an invaluable resource when you’re learning the application, or looking for advice on a challenging project.

Third party plug-ins –5. extend and tailor your environment with innovative plug-ins from customers, partners, and developers and access to the widest and most current selection of 3D software and hardware.

Smooth interoperability –6. between 3ds Max and other Autodesk products, giving developers the access they need to customise, extend, and integrate 3ds Max into their existing pipelines.

Advanced particles –7. an extensible integrated particle system, providing a sophisticated, event-driven particle toolset that allows users to design the behaviour of a particle based on a series of defi ned events.

UV workfl ows –8. a wide range of operations for creative texture and planar mapping.

MAXScript extensibility –9. a built-in scripting language that provides customers with the ability to script all aspects of 3ds Max – build custom import/export tools using the built-in fi le I/O, write procedural controllers, or build batch-processing tools.

Ease of learning10. – resources to suit a variety of learning styles, including fi rst class training and documentation, third party books, DVDs, and tutorials.

Our top ten: Autodesk 3ds Max As part of our 2010 global product launch, we wanted to showcase the premier products in the Autodesk software range for each industry – along with the key functional features of the product, we’ve given you the top reasons to use each one.

The Revit Kid! blog is set to be a major source of information for students using Autodesk Revit-based products. The blog is designed for students planning a career in architecture, engineering or construction management, and strives to help all users become comfortable with the world of building information modelling.

The Revit Kid! regularly blogs about industry issues, while sharing a number of educational tools, including tutorials and tips, with his peers.

For more information on The Revit Kid! please visit http://therevitkid.blogspot.com.

Made by students, for students…

Education

10

Autodesk MattersWinter Issue 2009

Subscription center

Autodesk’s subscription center is an exclusive, password protected, one-stop-shop that provides subscription customers with access to e-learning, web support (if included in the contract), product downloads, and a range of other program benefi ts.

The subscription center account setup is a one-time process that takes only a few minutes to complete. As the contract manager/software coordinator, once you are setup and have your login, you can invite user/s to access the subscription center for web support, e-learning, product enhancement downloads and more.

To set up your account please visit: http://www.autodesk.com/subscriptionlogin

Predictable budgeting1. – the subscription fee is paid annually, or prepaid on a multi-year contract, improving cash forecasting and giving you the option of including the fees in project estimates and billing.

Technology upgrades –2. receive upgrades or technology enhancements for your products on subscription as they become available (during the term of your contract).

Web support –3. receive interactive contact with Autodesk experts right at the desktop.

e-Learning 4. – access self-paced, interactive product lessons, including hands on exercises with an option to use a

simulation, and take built-in assessments to identify skills gaps and the lessons that will help you most.

Flexible use of previous versions –5. legally continue using previous versions of purchased software licences even after installing an upgrade of the same product.

Flexible purchasing options6. – purchase annually or for a term of up to three years where discounts may apply. Add new licences at any time and, for multi-year agreements, subscription fees are price-protected for the term of the contract.

Simplifi ed software management7. – contract managers and software coordinators administer contracts

centrally, managing licences, e-Learning, and web support.

Subscription center8. – available only to subscription customers, the subscription center includes a variety of exclusive community features and simplifi ed processes for renewing contracts and adding users.

Community access9. – stay close to technical experts through a variety of community centred features, and have exclusive contact with the people who make the products.

Cost-eff ectiveness10. – if you typically upgrade your products, you can save money with subscription.

Autodesk subscription centre: your one-stop shop to e-learning, support, downloads and more

Access your member-only benefi ts

Our top ten reasons to become a subscription customer

After purchasing your Autodesk subscription, you will receive an email with your user ID and temporary password inviting you to set up your subscription center account. If, for some reason, you do not receive this email, follow the steps below to request another ‘invitation’.

Go to 1. http://www.autodesk.com/subscriptionlogin.

Click ‘Subscriber help’.2.

Click subscription ‘Help request form’.3.

Fill out the required information and in 4. the ‘Please help me with’ box, choose ‘Need invitation to subscription center’.

So how do I register?

It’s as easy as 1,2,3…

Step one: Contract manager/software coordinator account creation

Refer to your welcome email for 1. your user account ID and temporary password. Click on the link in the email to access the subscription center.

Sign in using the information provided 2. in the welcome email. Select your own permanent password when prompted.

Review and accept the subscription 3. terms and conditions.

Verify customer profi le information.4.

Account creation is complete. You 5. should now see your personalised home page.

Step two: Invite users to access the subscription center

Go to subscription administration and 1. select ‘Manage users’.

Add single or multiple users. Note: you 2. can invite as many users as you have licences on the contract.

Add user/s information. Click ‘Add user’ 3. button to send invitation/s to user/s.

Step three: User account creation and setup

User/s that have been added will 1. receive an email inviting them to set up their subscription center account/s, including a user ID and temporary password.

Users provide registration information 2. and select their ‘Member name’ and password.

Registration is now complete. User/s 3. should now see their personalised home page.

11

Autodesk University (AU) is the world’s largest annual gathering of design professionals, industry experts and Autodesk executives.

Autodesk University combines comprehensive leading environment, a trade show, and a mix of business and social activities. The 2008 AU program included lectures, in-depth training sessions, classes and labs, a design leadership program and a host of social activities aimed at learning and networking.

Autodesk University provides participants with the chance to:

improve productivity – with the world’s • largest off ering of technical content, taught by the best instructors, AU will jump-start productivity, and help your company reduce costs and get to market faster

get connected, by being part of a • community of peers and industry leaders from around the world in an environment ideal for sharing best practices and fi nding solutions.

stay on top of industry trends and check •

out the latest technologies in hardware, software, and services from the world’s largest gathering of Autodesk developers and strategic partners.

Now in its 17th year, AU provides customers with the chance to meet face-to-face with the top experts in their industry, and learn about the latest trends and technologies to help them stay competitive.

AU 2009 will be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada from December 1 to December 3, 2009.

Start planning now and take advantage of early-bird rates available from August 12, 2009.

For more information on AU 2009 or to view sessions from previous AU conferences, please visit http://au.autodesk.com.

Autodesk created the student engineering and design community in 2006 to help architecture, engineering and digital entertainment students gain the educational resources and technical expertise they need to be successful in their future careers.

Within Australia and New Zealand, more than 19,000 students and faculty members from top schools and educational institutions have joined the community.

The website off ers students free software downloads, off ering more than 25 of Autodesk’s leading products, including AutoCAD 2010, AutoCAD Inventor Professional, 3ds Max and Revit Architecture.

In addition to products, students can access learning resources, search for internships and jobs, showcase their designs and discuss design topics with their peers. Educators can download curricula and exchange information about industry best practice.

Since its launch in 2006, the community has

expanded to more than 620,000 members, representing more than 19,000 schools and educational institutions in 140 countries.

For more information on the student community please visit www.students.autodesk.com.

Autodesk MattersWinter Issue 2009

Learning and DevelopmentAutodesk University update

Autodesk student engineering and design community