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INTRODUCTION

  • Ø Background
AutoCAD is a software application developed by Autodesk that enables computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting. The software has been developing to produce 2D and 3D drawings. AutoCAD software allows users to conceptualize ideas, produce designs and drawings to the required levels of technical accuracy, and even perform rapid design calculations and simulations; across a wide range of industries (Kennedy, 2014).
The company behind AutoCAD, Autodesk was founded in 1982 by John Walker. He and the other 15 co-founders intended to develop five different desktop automation applications, hoping that one of the applications would take off. Their flagship product turned out to be AutoCAD. They launched AutoCAD at the COMDEX trade show in Las Vegas as the first CAD program in the world to run on a PC. By March 1986, only four years after it was introduced, AutoCAD had become the most widely used design application worldwide, a position it still holds today (Kennedy, 2014).
In its 35 years, AutoCAD has grown substantially. In fact, there has been 31 versions since the first release in December 1982! Over the years, Autodesk added new features and programs to appeal to different professions. The software supports APIs for customization and automation, which enabled the creation of vertical products such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical and AutoCAD Civil 3D. In the last five years, Autodesk has also created mobile and cloud-based apps, including AutoCAD 360, Fusion 360, and A360 Viewer. These programs couple design and documentation tools together with the ability to share and collaborate via the Internet (Kennedy, 2014).

  • Ø Company

“Innovation is re­warded” at this design software company, where employees can “make their mark” working on the tools ­designers use to “create a more beautiful world.” To encourage creative thinking, employees who have new patents granted are given bonuses of up to $2,000 (Fortune, 2017).

Autodesk has 7,500 employees, 4.2% employee Growth, US $2 billion Global Revenue, 11x Number of applicants to existing jobs, 39.8 average age of employees, 20% women in executive /senior management and 7.5% voluntary turnover (Great place to work, 2017).

We can see how Autodesk is so profitable, no just for the years in the market moreover for the opportunities that brings to their employees to innovate. In addition, I want to show distinct aspects of AutoCAD as a product such as features, price, tools & tutorials.

§ Features

Some of the main characteristics of AutoCAD are PDF import, external file references, object choice, text to Mtext, user interface, share design views, high resolution monitor support and the AutoCAD Mobile App (Autodesk, 2017).

§ Price

The price of AutoCAD is about $ 1,470 with a choice of subscriptions for technical support for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years. In addition, AutoCAD has different version for different type of budgets. Revit is about $ 2,000 for a year subscription for instance AutoCAD is a better choice if you want to save some money (Autodesk, 2017).

§ Tools

AutoCAD has different type of software for different working areas such as AutoCAD Civil, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Architecture, and AutoCAD Structural with prices and the distinctive characteristics (Autodesk, 2017).

Learning and Explore

AutoCAD has different tutorials for various levels of designers with new features every year and new commands to simplify your life. In addition, you have the troubleshooting people 24 hours 7 days a week in case you are having problems with the program (Autodesk, 2017).

CONCLUSION

I know that this program is useful for diverse types of work and I hope that all this information helps you to get a better idea about you can do with AutoCAD.


AutoCAD Link:

https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad



REFERENCES

Kennedy, Luke (2014). A Brief History of AutoCAD. Retrieved November 4, 2017, from www.scan2cad.com web site: https://www.scan2cad.com/tips/autocad-brief-history/

Fortune (2014). Best Companies. Retrieved November 4, 2017, from www.fortune.com web site: http://fortune.com/best-companies/autodesk/

Great Place to Work (2017). World’s Best Multinationals. Retrieved November 4, 2017, from www.greatplacetowork.net web site: http://www.greatplacetowork.net/best-companies/worlds-best-multinationals/profiles-of-the-winners/1531-10-autodesk

Autodesk (2017). Autodesk Products. Retrieved November 4, 2017, from www.autodesk.com web site: https://www.autodesk.com/compare/compare-features/autocad-products