Autodesk Inc. (ADSK) recently launched its AutoCAD 2012 software products and Autodesk Design Suite 2012. The new products will add flexibility to the users of AutoCAD across various industries. The new products can also be accessed through AutoCAD WS web and mobile application. Currently, the AutoCAD WS mobile application is accessible through Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) iOS devices iPad and iPhone.
The users of AutoCAD software can employ Autodesk Design Suite 2012 to visualize and design new concepts and also share data across all design phases by using interactive mediums like movies, images and presentations. The Design Suite is available in three different versions namely Standard, Premium and Ultimate.
The standard version of Autodesk Design Suite comprises Autodesk SketchBook Designer, Autodesk Mudbox and Autodesk Showcase software. Autodesk 3ds Max Design is added to the premium version for enhanced graphic quality, 3D animation and daylight analysis. The Ultimate edition has all the Premium edition products, along with Autodesk Alias Design for better conceptualization and surface modeling capabilities.
Autodesk also introduced a number of products under AutoCAD 2012. This includes AutoCAD LT, Architecture 2012, MEP 2012, Electrical 2012 and Mechanical 2012. AutoCAD 2012 supports a number of features that reduce drafting, detailing and design modification time. The product supports parametric drawing tools, which can be used to define relationships between different objects. AutoCAD 2012 permits the use of PDF format that allows users to communicate smoothly with clients.
AutoCAD 2012 takes less time to start and follow commands at a faster pace and offers an enhanced graphical and visually-enriched presentation. The upgraded AutoCAD 2012 comes with specifications in the form of model documentation tools that helps users to document designs that are imported from a wide array of CAD applications.
Autodesk Inventor Fusion software provides 3D concept designs and enables rapid transfer between applications along with other 3D CAD settings. The other feature is the point cloud support, which facilitates the scanned objects to be directly visualized in the modeling work space, thereby helping to rationalize time-consuming projects
Recommendation
In our view, the company’s improvements and innovations in 3D design technology provides a competitive edge over Adobe Systems Inc. (ADBE), Parametric Technology Corp. (PMTC) and Avid Technology Inc. (AVID). Thus, for the long term, we have an Outperform rating supported by a diversified product pipeline, cost control initiatives and strategic acquisitions.
Currently, Autodesk has a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold rating on the stock (1-3 months).
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