Autodesk launches developer network

BANGALORE: Autodesk India, subsidiary of the $872 million US-based Autodesk Inc, has launched Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) to facilitate interaction between ADN members, software developers, software exporters, large customers with in-house software development and HR consultants. Of the 2,150 ADN members worldwide, India has 44 and they can interact not only with other ADN members but also with the four million Autodesk users around the world.

Targeted at the local Indian software developers and large users of Autodesk products in different industries, the idea is to help them develop products on Autodesk platform. Speaking about the ADN program, Autodesk India Pvt Ltd, managing director, SAARC operations, S. Sridhar said, "Many CAD vendors don't use every application in the CAD package. Some may want one or two applications only in the package. Now, by becoming an ADN member, they can develop the required application using AutoCAD's open architecture. Thus, it helps them reduce cost and time."

The other advantage is that the company can also sell the shrink-wrapped product in the country as well as overseas. In addition, ADN members enjoy access to developer support and technical white papers and other documents. Also, Autodesk provides details of the product, developed on its Web site. Moreover, when Autodesk launches new products, it allows ADN members to showcase their products as well.

Autodesk is planning to set up a developers consultancy group in Bangalore to provide online support to ADN members. The consultancy group is the first of its kind in Asia Pacific region and third from Autodesk company. The Bangalore-based Cadd Solutions Pvt Ltd, which has developed a product called `Wrench 2.0', an enterprise wide solution to organize and manage engineering and design information that incorporates both product data management and project management on AutoCAD platform, is one such ADN member.

Said Varghese Daniel of Cadd Solutions, "As Autodesk registered developer, we used to develop the product in isolation, but as ADN member, we get help from Autodesk in developing the product. Because Autodesk profiles our product on its website, our product has the chance to get noticed by all the users who visit the Autodesk Web site. The press publicity provided by Autodesk also help small companies such as ours."