Autodesk is promising to revolutionise design by taking it to the Internet. It has developed iDesign - what it claims is the world's first cohesive blueprint for implementing the Internet in a design-centred organisation.

The iDesign approach is based on a three-phase strategy. The first phase is the i-enablement of all Autodesk's design software and the delivery of an Internet design resource - Point A. Phase two is the introduction of mobile technologies that enable designers to access design data from remote locations while the third phase of iDesign is the introduction of industry-specific portals for project hosting and the creation of electronic marketplaces.

All three phases of the iDesign concept have already been implemented. Designers can register at Point A by accessing www.autodesk.com. The electronic design encyclopaedia is free and accessible to anyone - visitors do not have to be Autodesk users. Also available is OnSite View, a product that allows users to access design data from remote locations. Buzzsaw.com, for the construction industry, is already operating and the manufacturing industry's RedSpark.com starts operating early in the new year. While there is not yet any specifically South African content on these two portals, South African users can register and manage projects online.

"Our approach with iDesign is not only to enhance the design processes of a business, but with the Internet to create a ripple effect, improving all of a company's related business processes - from on-line bidding and purchasing to communicating with suppliers and contractors," explains Errol Ashwell, Managing Director of Autodesk Africa. "In fact, we aim to help our users electronically manage their entire supply chain online."

Autodesk

(011) 318 2900

www.autodesk.com