Autodesk Introduces Linux-Based Version of Autodesk Toxik Visual Effects Software

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At the Digital Media Festival in Sydney, Australia, Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) today launched Autodesk Toxik visual effects software running on the Linux operating system. Toxik software enables teams of digital artists to collaboratively realize feature film visual effects ideas, and is already available on the Windows operating system. With the introduction of Toxik software running on Linux, film studios and post-production facilities have more options for the back-end infrastructure and administration of their digital film pipelines.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO )

"The number of digital artists collaborating on a film can range from less than 10 to more than 100. Autodesk Toxik software facilitates collaboration within these workgroups," said Marc Petit, vice president of product development and operations for Autodesk's Media & Entertainment Division. "Linux is now a prevalent operating system for feature film pipelines. It simplifies the management of large, computerized workgroups and meets the storage and networking requirements for massive, high-quality images."

The Linux operating system has gained popularity amongst film studios and post-production facilities in Australia, Europe and North America. Australia's largest post-production company, The Omnilab Group, beta tested Toxik software running on Linux through an installation at The Lab Sydney.

Ian Johnson, general manager of The Omnilab Group's The Lab Sydney, said, "I can see Toxik becoming a major force in the film industry; the Linux-based version reinforces this because it provides a robust, open architecture that expands our future options. We're moving our render farm to Linux, so Toxik software running Linux would easily fit in. The software is built with the complexity of film file formats in mind and its collaborative workflow design is revolutionary." A render farm is a computer cluster used to speed the delivery of computer-generated imagery, typically for film and television visual effects, in its finished form. Availability and Pricing

Autodesk anticipates that the Toxik software running on Linux will be available this winter. Toxik software running on the Windows operating system is currently available. North American suggested pricing for each Toxik creative seat with supporting collaboration infrastructure is $9,000 USD. For further information visit http://www.discreet.com/products or contact Autodesk's Media & Entertainment Division at 800-869-3504. About Autodesk Toxik

Autodesk Toxik digital compositing software is used to create feature film visual effects. Toxik software is ideal for multi-artist film studio and post-production pipelines. Designed with a creative user in mind, Toxik image processing capabilities are built around its Ultra-High Resolution Interaction and High Dynamic Range Imagery core, allowing users to work interactively and intuitively with virtually any visual media, regardless of bit-depth or image size. Toxik software also offers integrated asset tracking, collaboration and versioning capabilities that fully automate the complex task of tracking shot and element iterations while providing a complete history of how any shot in a project progressed from inception to final output. For more information, visit http://www.autodesk.com/toxik. About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With over seven million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the manufacturing, building, infrastructure, wireless data services and media and entertainment fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency and maximizing profits.

Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit http://www.autodesk.com. NOTE: Autodesk and Toxik are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc./Autodesk Canada Co. in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Contact: Roohi Saeed, 514-954-7296

Email: roohi.saeed@autodesk.com