Autodesk Announces DWF 6 for Mac OS X Users and Developers

[MacBytes]

Category: 3rd Party Software
Link: Autodesk Announces DWF 6 for Mac OS X Users and Developers

Posted on MacBytes.com

Approved by Mudbug

 

[vitruvius]

mmm...

interesting... maybe a first step in the road for an OSX AutoCAD version... i hope so

 

[iJon]

i think this will be their testing waters, see how many people really care about it. if there is a high demand, then they will port autocad.

iJon

 

[nichrome]

There have been many reports recently of Apple being in contact with AutoDesk to create a Mac OS X version of AutoCAD.

Note that Apple is also collaborating with AutoDesk on this DWF6 viewer application.

Also note that AutoDesk makes a point to call this a "first step".

 

[mkaake]

you guys should check out a thread i started earlier... i posted this link, but it came from an email which was pretty interesting, but basically said there was nothing in the works as far as autocad for x yet, and that they were 'testing interest' for autodesk on x...

matt

 

[Vector]

Here is a link to the thread that mkaake started and my response.

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37860

Originally posted by mkaake
Just got this from AutoDesk (submitted link at bottom to MacBytes, but it doesn't tell everything that is in this email)

"Dear Apple/Autodesk enthusiast,



Some time ago you responded to an Autodesk survey about porting our technology to Mac OS X. We at Autodesk are pleased to announce formal support for OS X beginning with our “DWF” published file format and our viewing/printing product, the Autodesk® Express Viewer. Both technologies will be available in the coming months; check the Autodesk and Apple websites frequently for updated information.



We have taken the first steps into porting our technology over to OS X to gauge interest in the community. Many of you are also interested in the OS X port of one of our design applications, such as AutoCAD. I will tell you that while this is still under investigation, there are no current plans to port AutoCAD. That said, the release of the Viewing/Plotting product and DWF file format represent our first step at addressing several important customer requests regarding workflow and publication of design data when using OS X as a platform.



The “second step” has yet to be determined and we await your response to this technology release. Please continue to voice your opinion with your local Autodesk reseller, retailer, at user groups, in trade magazines and at industry events, etc. Your voice carries weight.



Here are some links with information about this technology release:



Today’s Press Release (9/9/2003):

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=3557576&linkID=1977925



What is the DWF file format?

http://www.autodesk.com/DWF



What is the Autodesk® Express Viewer?

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=2787358



This e-mail is being distributed to a wide audience; I apologize in advance if I can’t answer your questions in a timely manner. Also, if you wish to be removed from this distribution list, let me know and I’ll remove you. This list is only going to be used (by me) to announce the release of Autodesk technology for OS X for those who have expressed interest.



Again, both technologies will be available in the coming months; check the Autodesk and Apple websites frequently for updated information.



Thanks again for your interest in our products and OS X,



Eric"



matt

 

[Vector]

And here is what i had to say about the email.

Originally posted by Vector
I got the same email after i responded to their survey they sent me a while ago. I am glad they will be releasing their viewer and hopefully if it goes over well they will release autocad for os x. I didn't really think much of the survey they sent out because they kind of downplayed its importance and the likelyhood of them releasing anything. This could help bring macs back into the architecture/engineering realm since there are very few if any good cad solutions for macs currently. Ever since autodesk and another cad developer (whoever develops microstation) stopped developing for macs most architecture firms (nearly all of the ones i can think of in the southeast of any significant size) have switched to pcs.

 

[Counterfit]

Not to mention schools. My school just installed an entire lab of 26 Dells *shudder* with AutoCAD2004. I need to print the files, but the network HP laser printer isn't working. I need that program, and I really would love to see AutoCAD for OS X sometime within the next 3-4 years. Hopefully sooner of course 😀.

 

[PowerBook User]

I hope this program has high demand. It would be great to see AutoCAD on Mac OS X. Architecture is the only creative field I can think of where Macs aren't found all over. I think a decent number of architechs would use AutoCAD on OS X.