Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which graphically represent information in location-based databases, have been elevated to a mainstream business support application following the recent release of the Autodesk mapping and design server. Despite the key importance of spatial data, particularly to those companies that provide utility services, widespread access to valuable location-based information has, until now, been limited.

With the new Autodesk Design Server the data - be it the location of a blocked drain, out-of-order robots, interrupted electricity supplies or downed telephone lines - is available to engineering and business office staff as well as mobile users at any time.

"Business success in utilities and communications requires around-the-clock, realtime access to information on the status of physical assets," explains Errol Ashwell, Managing Director of Autodesk Africa. "Companies need to maximise the value of their data in order to improve service levels." Key to accomplishing this is making the data available outside the engineering and GIS departments to the business user, including sales, marketing, customer service and more."

Autodesk GIS Design Server, an enterprise-level server solution based on the proven performance of the VISION technology acquired by Autodesk in 1999, seamlessly and quickly delivers location-based and design data to the engineering and business user's desktop and in the field. The server works in concert with design and mapping capabilities of AutoCAD Map software, and the web and mobile features of Autodesk MapGuide and Autodesk OnSite. Combined with the power of an Oracle8i database, the integrated solution elevates GIS into a mainstream business support system.

Autodesk GIS Design Server promises to overcome numerous problems by centralising location data into a single Oracle database. Tight technical integration enables information to freely flow from an Oracle data warehouse to the server and on to mapping and engineering desktops, browsers on an intranet or over the Internet, and to mobile field locations.

Autodesk

(011) 318 2900

errol.ashwell@autodesk.com

www.autodesk.com