Autodesk Selects DirectSkin for New User Interface

CANTON, MI- (March 15, 2005) – Autodesk, Inc. announced the release of
Autodesk Map® 3D 2006, the latest software program to use DirectSkin from
Stardock to create a flexible and modern looking user interface. DirectSkin is
the tool of choice for developers who want to leverage Stardock’s skinning
technology to improve the look and feel of their applications.



Autodesk’s MAP 3D 2006 software connects CAD (Computer Assisted Design) and GIS
(Geographic Information Systems) by providing powerful creation and editing
tools and is used by top engineers, mapping professionals and CAD technicians
world-wide. Having a modern, attractive and flexible user interface was an
important part of the product’s development. Autodesk selected DirectSkin from
Stardock as its user interface development tool.



DirectSkin is an ActiveX control that integrates into software applications with
only a few lines of code. Software developers can then use Stardock’s
award-winning skinning technology to modify and enhance the look and feel of
their applications. DirectSkin is based on the same technology as Stardock’s
WindowBlinds, a desktop customization program used by millions of Windows PC
users.



“We are very excited about the new features in this next version of Map. It was
important for us to create more differentiation with the product and generate a
new fresh look as exciting as the new features. For Autodesk, selecting
DirectSkin was a logical choice for meeting this goal. By using DirectSkin from
Stardock we were able to get a high level of consistency across platforms and
the support from Stardock was exceptional. We could not have done this on our
own in such a short period of time.” said Brett Bloomquist, Map Software
Development Manager at Autodesk.

“DirectSkin fills a real need for developers.” said Larry Kuperman, Sales
Manager at Stardock. “DirectSkin provides a simple and standardized way of
creating a skinnable interface for applications. This improves the marketability
of software by making applications more attractive and reduces development
time.”



To learn more about Autodesk’s Next Generation of Infrastructure software,
please visit www.autodesk.com.