Despite the increased use of industry-specific design solutions, there is still a role for low cost, two-dimensional software in extended project teams whose members are often found in widespread geographic locations. AutoCAD LT software from Autodesk, for example, is aimed at professionals that actively participate in the design process, but require only occasional use of computer-aided design (CAD) tools. These users are usually members of the extended design team.

The newest version of the software, AutoCAD LT 2002, is now available in South Africa. The software combines collaboration features, drawing productivity, and full compatibility with AutoCAD 2002 and AutoCAD-based products to deliver substantial functionality at an affordable price.

Users can now collaborate in realtime, publish and access design content, host projects, and send information electronically by leveraging connectivity technologies such as the Internet, intranets and LANs. This saves time and money by making communication faster, with fewer errors and rework, and without expensive hardcopy output.

"Equipping a design team is a fine balance," says Errol Ashwell, Managing Director of Autodesk Africa. "While it is inefficient to give occasional computer-aided design users too powerful a design solution, it is also false economy to give full-time users under-powered technology. Full-time professional designers must deliver maximum output. To help them achieve this, industry-specific software is usually the answer."

Autodesk

(011) 318 2900

www.autodesk.com