In an official press release, Autodesk is announcing AutoCAD that “runs natively on Mac OS X and will increase choice of hardware for millions of users around the world. Autodesk also announced the AutoCAD WS mobile application, a new app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch that will allow users to edit and share their AutoCAD designs in the field.”

AutoCAD for Mac and the AutoCAD WS mobile application will be available in North America and Europe beginning this fall.

The Official Press Release

More from other sites…

InfoWorld

Mashable

AppleInsider

Financial Times

Forbes

Other Mac Products from Autodesk

1.  Autodesk listens to its customers.  They pay close attention and they produce on the input they get. I know this because of the new features that they add to the software.  Every release has things that I never thought of. Things that collectively make the products more mature.  Some are obvious, but the ones that were added to the base platform, AutoCAD, are small refinements that enhance the product even when we all think it is mature.  Actually some of the enhancements to AutoCAD 2011 are huge – depending on your use of the tool.

You may disagree with me and think that the major changes that need to be made are missing.  You may think that the product has major holes that still remain unfilled.  But if you look at the general progress of the tools, there is much progress.  They may not have fixed the items you may be looking for, but there are some major upgrades and enhancements to just about every product.   Somewhere out there is a very happy user (probably many) that are very pleased with this upgrade.

2.  The software is not perfect and they know it.  I am not saying that they ship flawed software – far from it (see number 3).  What I mean is that they know they have to continue working on it and they are.  No product has been left to languish.  All of them have focused teams who look for improvements and deliver.

3.  They go to great lengths to ensure that the shipping products are stable.  I spent some time with the Q&A team for AutoCAD 2011. They are devoted to the product and have an extensive process of weeding out the issues that will impact end users.  Rigorous testing goes into the product.  Extensive testing and retesting.  All of this to help make the products stable.

4.  Autodesk is mixing and matching software.  They realize that you use several differing tools to get the job done.  They are moving to provide cross pollination from one product to another.  They have moved toward interoperability between products as an effort to assist end users. They have bundled products that users tend to use together.  They have bundle 2d with 3d packages as an incentive to move to 3d.  They now offer Suites of products under one collective product line, bundling AutoCAD to the vertical products like Revit and Inventor.  We should be looking for these encouragements to continue.

There may be more perspectives that  come up as I review more of my notes.  I will keep you posted.

The Autodesk 2011 Launch Press Release – click here

2011 AutoCAD Products Certified for Windows 7 and Add Top User-Requested Features to Help Make Design Easier

Autodesk, Inc. announced the availability of the 2011 AutoCAD software products, including AutoCAD 2011 software, a leading 2D and 3D design and documentation platform, and AutoCAD LT 2011 software for professional 2D drafting and detailing. The latest releases of AutoCAD deliver powerful new features — such as new tools for surface modeling and transparency for objects and layers — that can help designers explore their ideas and maximize productivity. The 2011 AutoCAD products are Microsoft Windows 7 certified and are compatible with and supported on Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate as well as Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems.

“In the 2011 releases we have continued to invest in increasing drafting productivity and have added a strong set of new 3D modeling features for conceptual design that will help millions of AutoCAD users worldwide take their designs further”

“In the 2011 releases we have continued to invest in increasing drafting productivity and have added a strong set of new 3D modeling features for conceptual design that will help millions of AutoCAD users worldwide take their designs further,” said Guri Stark, vice president, AutoCAD and Platform Products. “We have also implemented many of the top features requested by Autodesk User Group International (AUGI) members and focused on providing new tools that are quick to learn but can have a big impact in everyday work.”

Autodesk Expands Power of AutoCAD 2011 with New Features for Conceptual Design and Drafting Productivity -click here

Autodesk 2011 Digital Prototyping Software Accelerates Design Process for Manufacturers -click here

Autodesk Unveils 2011 Software Portfolio for Building, Infrastructure and Const. Industries -click here

You need to be aware of a change that is coming…

From the Autodesk website…

Autodesk is introducing a new, streamlined upgrade pricing model on March 16, 2010. Under our current upgrade pricing model, the price of your upgrade depends on which product release you own. After March 15, 2010, your upgrade from any of the three previous software releases will cost 50 percent of the price of a new license, no matter which release you own.

From the Autodesk FAQ

1. What is Autodesk simplified upgrade pricing?
After March 16, 2010, Autodesk will introduce a new, streamlined upgrade pricing model that changes how Autodesk prices upgrades, cross-grades, and retroactive Subscription fees.

2. How is Autodesk simplified upgrade pricing different from the way Autodesk sells upgrades and cross-grades today?
Today, upgrade and cross-grade prices and retroactive Subscription fees vary depending on which software release you are upgrading from. After March 16, 2010, upgrade and cross-grade prices and retroactive Subscription fees from the three previous software releases will be priced at 50 percent of a full license, no matter which release you are using today.

3. When will simplified upgrade pricing take effect?
The last day to upgrade from Autodesk® 2007, 2008, and 2009 products with the current pricing model is March 15, 2010. The new simplified upgrade pricing model will go into effect after March 16, 2010.

4. Why is Autodesk making this change?
We are streamlining our upgrade pricing based on feedback from customers and resellers that the current pricing model is too complex and no longer meets the needs of most of our customers.
More and more of our customers are choosing Autodesk Subscription as the most convenient and cost-effective way to keep their Autodesk software up-to-date. Customers tell us they prefer the budget and upgrade predictability of Autodesk Subscription. They also cite other advantages over traditional upgrades:

• The option to continue running previous versions of your software so there’s no interruption to your project flow
• Hassle-free and flexible licensing so you can use your Autodesk software in the office or at home (on selected products)
• Web support from Autodesk technical experts
• Self-paced training to help extend your Autodesk software skills
• Incremental product enhancements (on selected products) to increase your functionality between upgrades

For customers without Autodesk Subscription, simple, streamlined upgrade pricing should help make it easier for you to plan and budget your software upgrades. You will pay the same price—50 percent of a full license—to upgrade to the current release from any of the three previous versions, which means you can move when you’re ready.

Read more about it on the links above – there is a lot of info to review.  Then you will know if it is better for you to tap into subscription before this kicks in or after.

If you are thinking of getting on subscription…  time to think hard.

Team Autodesk

Autodesk believes in being a responsive community partner. Through our products, values and actions we strive to build and foster healthy, sustainable communities. Our mission is to improve and enrich the lives of those in need by supporting vital community programs. We care. It’s what we do.

The number of people living with multiple sclerosis increases every hour of every day. This astonishing rate is not going to diminish, nor will it stop, until we’ve found a cure. Research has made some incredible advances recently, but the world can still only offer disease management drugs and therapies to the 400,000 people living with MS in America.

Help Team Autodesk in the Fight Against MS!

This is the third consecutive year we’ve formed a team for the MS Bike Tour. Join our team as a cyclist or a volunteer! Make a donation online! Send in a check! Talk to your employer about becoming a sponsor of the MS Bike Tour! There are so many ways to make a difference in the fight against MS, and it all begins right here.

This is especially close to my heart.  My sister-in-law suffers from MS.  If you are financial able – please consider sponsoring this team in their efforts to raise money to find a cure.

Check this out and tell you friends…

From the site…

Invest in Yourself

In these uncertain economic times, many companies have had to let good people go. If you were one of them, you might be wondering how to advance your career in this challenging global job market.

In order to get ahead in the workplace, you need to invest in yourself by increasing your knowledge and expanding your skills. And the good news is that Autodesk can help you get back in the game. With the Autodesk Assistance Program you can take action today to gain a competitive advantage in your field. The program offers:

• Free Software License*: Any student license of AutoCAD®, Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional, and/or AutoCAD® Civil 3D® software.
• Free Online Training: On-demand training available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Reduced-Cost Classroom Training: Many Autodesk Authorized Value Added Resellers and Autodesk Training Center (ATC®) partners are offering classroom training at their training facilities for free or for a significantly reduced fee. (Offerings will vary, please check with your local reseller or ATC to get details)
  
• Certification: Certification preparation and exams available at discounted rates.

Seize the opportunity now. Don’t just survive, thrive!

http://www.autodesk.com/assistanceprogram

.

“Autodesk 2010 Design and Engineering Software Product Line Now Available”

Portfolio Offers Enhanced Functionality for Sustainable Design and Infrastructure Modeling, Allowing Customers to Capitalize on Stimulus Opportunities

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., March 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Autodesk today began shipping its new 2010 line of 2D and 3D design and engineering software. More than 50 new products offer new features and functionality as well as improved tools for Digital Prototyping, Building Information Modeling (BIM), Infrastructure Modeling, sustainable design and analysis, which will help architects, engineers and designers meet increasing commercial and public sector demand for more energy-efficient buildings, products and infrastructure.

Availability
English language versions of Autodesk’s 2010 products will begin shipping over the next several weeks in North America, with availability in other languages and regions in the coming months. Full details are available at www.autodesk.com/purchaseoptions.

Autodesk previewed the new software releases last month in three virtual press conference webcasts, which are available for viewing at www.autodesk.com/2010webcasts.

Check out the videos.

Read the entire press release – Autodesk 2010 Design and Engineering Software Product Line Now Available

There are more than 20 different exhibits on display. A giant Lego dinosaur, a Shelby GT500, numerous manufacturing examples, a cathedral, the Bay Bridge design, ergonomic chair design and 3d interactive media displays.

See so much more…  How did they get that car into the building?  at the Autodesk Gallery site.

I could go on forever about the very interesting displays, but you should just go to the Autodesk site and take a look at them all.

Artwork or manufacturing?

Artists Bruce Beasley, Jon Isherwood, Robert Michael Smith, and Kenneth Snelson applied Autodesk 3D design tools to the process of creating stone sculptures.  They created the little white model and sent it to China to be carved out or granite.

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team and legendary automotive designer Carroll Shelby used Autodesk software to create their own version of the 1968 Mustang sports car.

The Bay Bridge

The largest engineering project in the history of California wouldn’t have been possible without photo-realistic, contextual 3D visualizations to prove the project’s viability.