Autodesk Delivers XML Tool for AutoCAD 2000i Products with New Product Extension

Autodesk Delivers XML Tool for AutoCAD 2000i Products with New Product Extension

Autodesk Inc. announced the new XML/Data Extension tool for its AutoCAD® 2000i family of products-the latest installment of the Autodesk® Product Extension strategy introduced last April. The XML/Data Extension is part of a broader Autodesk XML initiative to create a common, open standard for delivering design data to the Web, ensuring compatibility between products in different segments of the design industry, and facilitating e-commerce around design specifications. In addition, because of the cross-platform, cross-industry acceptance of XML, the XML/Data Extension will allow developers to create tools that help designers share their design data with other mainstream business functions such as marketing, sales, operations, and customer support. The new XML/Data Extension will be available to customers in the United States and Canada.

"XML can accurately represent complex data files like those our customers produce with AutoCAD, and allow distribution of this data over the Web-letting non-designers access and use data created with AutoCAD 2000i-based products," said Larry Diamond, vice president of Autodesk's Design Platforms Group. "Access to design data helps customers, manufacturers, suppliers, and management play an active role in the design process and make more educated business decisions. Today's announcement clearly illustrates how we're delivering valuable tools through the Extension Program."

XML/Data Extension

The XML/Data Extension extends design intelligence to external business processes and applications. Key to this is DesignXML, a web-centric tool targeted at third-party developers. DesignXML makes it possible to fully represent both graphical and nongraphical data using an open, published XML schema. It extends the value of DWG data by allowing external applications and processes (such as word documents and sales) to seamlessly use and create design data. The XML/Data Extension also comes with a number of new tools that help AutoCAD software designers use the program more efficiently. The new tools include a Block Attribute Manager, an Enhanced Attribute Editor, Enhanced Attributed Extract feature, a Layer Translator, and a Layer Previous function.

The XML/Data Extension runs on AutoCAD 2000i software and the following AutoCAD 2000i-based products: AutoCAD® Land Development Desktop Release 2i, AutoCAD Mechanical 2000i, Mechanical Desktop® 5 Power Pack, AutoCAD Mechanical 2000i Power Pack software, Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 3, and AutoCAD Map® 2000i.

How Autodesk is Leveraging XML

Autodesk unveiled its XML initiative last June, committing to creating a common, platform-independent, and open standard for communicating design-related information across corporate networks and over the Web. Through XML-based products and initiatives, Autodesk customers are able to deliver design data across the value chain, including contractors, partners, building owners, and separate business disciplines throughout an enterprise. Autodesk is focusing its XML efforts in four areas: adoption throughout the Autodesk product line, ensuring cross-product interoperability, incorporating relevant industry XML initiatives, and publishing XML schemas for design collaboration.

Autodesk Product Extensions Strategy and Pricing

Autodesk product extensions are downloadable plug-in software created to enhance the AutoCAD 2000i platform and many of the AutoCAD 2000i-based products. The extension program is how Autodesk delivers incremental features/functions as they are developed, eliminating the need to wait for a new version of a product. By getting the latest design solutions faster, customers will see return on their software investment increase month over month as Autodesk continues enhancing product capability. The incremental approach also helps to lower training costs, and extensions can be implemented without large disruptions to ongoing projects.

Members of the Autodesk VIP subscription program-a service that provides customers with quick-and-easy access to the latest Autodesk software, tools, and information-can download the XML/Data Extension and each new Autodesk Product Extension free of charge at www.autodesk.com/vipcentral. To learn more about the VIP Program, visit www.autodesk.com/vip. The XML/Data Extension is also available immediately for download from the Autodesk U.S. and Canada e-stores for US$149. Go to www.autodesk.com/estore. The new XML/Data Extension will be available in the United States and Canada.